Soft robots designed for delicate or confined environments often face significant material constraints. While digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing is a preferred method for creating the complex internal geometries required for these systems, traditional hydrogels used in this process have historically lacked the necessary elasticity, often resulting in stiff structures with limited deformation capabilities.
Addressing these limitations, a newly developed 3D-printed hydrogel has demonstrated the ability to stretch by 1100%. This high degree of elasticity represents a significant shift for the design of soft robotics, which rely on materials that can deform extensively without losing structural integrity. By enabling greater flexibility, this material allows engineers to leverage the precision of DLP printing while maintaining the soft, compliant characteristics essential for robotic components operating in complex spaces.
Source: 3D Printing Industry
Original article: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/3d-printed-hydrogel-stretches-1100-for-soft-robots-255928/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3d-printed-hydrogel-stretches-1100-for-soft-robots
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