A few months ago, a research team at Carnegie Mellon University used 3D printing technology to create a series of self-folding 3D objects. Recently, researchers of this technology have introduced a paper robot made of conductive 3D printing materials and paper. When an electric current is applied to the robot, the paper can be folded and unfolded.
According to reports, the trick is 3D printing material polylactide, a thermoplastic with shape memory behavior. Combine it with conductive graphene to make "ink" for 3D printing.
In order to make a paper robot, the researchers used an FDM 3D printer and 3D printed a 0.5mm thick conductive ink layer on plain paper. Then they heated it in an oven at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once taken out of the oven, bend or fold the paper into the desired shape and allow it to cool, which will be the default shape of the paper. The wires are then connected to the actuator, and electric current is used to heat the actuator, causing the thermoplastic to expand and thus straighten the paper. After the current is cut off, the paper will automatically return to its default shape.
Researcher Guanyun Wang said that most robots — even those made of paper — require external motors. They create new opportunities not just for robotics, but also for interactive art, entertainment and home applications.
Yao said that researchers are improving this method by changing the printing speed or the width of the thermoplastic line to achieve different folding or bending effects. According to reports, they have also developed a printing touch sensor, a finger sliding sensor and a bending angle detector that can control the paper actuator. Yao and her team hope to speed up the drive by using more thermally conductive paper and developing custom printing filaments for actuators. The same actuation used for paper can also be used for plastics and fabrics.
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