Lasec

Abstract

This paper introduces LASEC, the first technique for instant do-it-yourself fabrication of circuits with custom stretchability on a conventional laser cutter and in a single pass. The approach is based on integrated cutting and ablation of a two-layer material using parametric design patterns. These patterns enable the designer to customize the desired stretchability of the circuit, to combine stretchable with nonstretchable areas, or to integrate areas of different stretchability. For adding circuits on such stretchable cut patterns, we contribute routing strategies and a real-time routing algorithm. An interactive design tool assists designers by automatically generating patterns and circuits from a high-level specification of the desired interface. The approach is compatible with off-the-shelf materials and can realize transparent interfaces. Several application examples demonstrate the versatility of the novel technique for applications in wearable computing, interactive textiles, and stretchable input devices. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing → Interactive systems and tools.

Soft Inkjet Circuits

“…For instance, inkjet printing can be used to speed up the printing and iteration process, while screen printing can address problematic inks (such as phosphor [38] or binders). Our approach can also be combined with subtractive alternatives such as laser cutting to create full multilayer devices [14] or variable stretchability [6]. At the moment, our process still requires manual heat curing, and re-feeding the substrate when more than one pass is needed.…”

“…Limitations include lower resolution and repeatability of design, with high manual effort. To speed up fabrication, follow-up work proposed digitally assisted subtractive methods, such as a computer-controlled vinyl cutter to cut copper tape for rigid or flexible circuits [47], or a laser cutter to cut conductive materials for fabrication of circuits with custom stretchability [6].…”

Kirigami‐Inspired Biodesign for Applications in Healthcare

“…This combination of cutting and ablation results in a stretchable circuit. [60] Similarly, an excimer Adv. Mater.…”

Soft Speakers: Digital Embroidering of DIY Customizable Fabric Actuators

“…The concept of designing fabric speakers has been recently explored by artists [17,44,45] and textile designers [18,27,54], engaging the DIY community (via instructables [32]) and workshops' participants [13] in hand-embroidering conductive yarns, screenprinting conductive inks and ironing-on conductive tapes on different fabrics. Recent work on laser-cutting conductive sheets [11] can be similarly utilized to create replicable and scalable paper speakers [5,45]. Moreover, prior work on fabricating e-textile speakers either relies on specialized hand-crafting skills, cannot be rapidly or accurately replicated or is not systematically predictable.…”