Design and Production of Multi Material 3d Printer for Soft Robotic Structural Elements

Abstract

With the latest technology, the development and interest in soft robots have gained speed. Flexible robots are generally produced by the casting method. This traditional production method has difficulties in the production of complex geometries such as, sharp corners, thin structures, cavities, pipelines and use of multi-materials. Also a new mold is needed for each product in the casting method and the mold costs are quite high. In additive production method, no mold is needed. Design can be produced at any time. When it comes to the production of a small number of special parts, faster production is achieved compared to the casting method. Therefore, present study aims to design and produce a multi-material 3D printer capable of printing non-conductive and conductive rapidly curing silicone that can be used in soft robotics and medical simulators. The electrical conductivity was achieved by mixing silicone and graphite powder. The parts in the printer are also produced by the additive manufacturing. Test pieces were printed using the produced 3D printer. Specific tests on produced parts produced have been carried out to determine mechanical and electrical properties. Technical data such as strength, elasticity, electrical conductivity have been obtained.