Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials capable of changing their structural configuration from a fixed shape to a temporary shape, and vice versa when subjected to a thermal stimulus. The present work has investigated the 3D printing process of a shape memory polymer (SMP)-based polyurethane using a material extrusion technology. Here, SMP pellets were fed into a printing unit, and actuating coupons were manufactured. In contrast to the conventional film-casting manufacturing processes of SMPs, the use of 3D printing allows the production of complex parts for smart electronics and morphing structures. In the present work, the memory performance of the actuating structure was investigated, and their fundamental recovery and mechanical properties were characterized. The preliminary results show that the assembled structures were able to recover their original conformation following a thermal input. The printed parts were also stamped with a QR code on the surface to include an unclonable pattern for addressing counterfeit features. The stamped coupons were subjected to a deformation-recovery shape process, and it was observed that the QR code was recognized after the parts returned to their original shape. The combination of shape memory effect with authentication features allows for a new dimension of counterfeit thwarting. The 3D-printed SMP parts in this work were also combined with shape memory alloys to create a smart actuator to act as a two-way switch to control data collection of a microcontroller.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, comprises many different technologies and processes utilized to manufacture custom parts with a range of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and sand
Strength (UTS) than that reported from the manufacturer has been reported by VilExamination of the flexural properties showed that the printed samples exhibit a lacres et al [19] on an shape memory polymer (SMP) material (MM4520)
Through the process of direct pellet extrusion, an open-source fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer has been modified to 3D shape memory polymer parts
Summary
Commonly known as 3D printing, comprises many different technologies and processes utilized to manufacture custom parts with a range of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and sand. A recent extension of this technology is the process of printing with raw pellets instead of a thermoplastic filament. In this process, a polymer extruder is mounted to the printer and raw pellets are fed, heated, and extruded from the print head [3,4]. A polymer extruder is mounted to the printer and raw pellets are fed, heated, and extruded from the print head [3,4] This process allows for faster printing, larger manufactured parts, and less thermal processing of the polymer in the printed structures [4]
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