The realm of 3D printing is undergoing a transformative leap with researchers from ETH Zurich and US start-up Inkbit unveiling a groundbreaking technology that extends beyond fast-curing plastics, now embracing slow-curing polymers. This innovation marks a pivotal moment in the 3D printing landscape, allowing the creation of intricate, more durable robots with enhanced elastic properties.
Traditionally, 3D printing was confined to fast-curing plastics, limiting the scope of materials and properties that could be harnessed. The newly developed technology by ETH Zurich and Inkbit shatters these constraints, enabling the incorporation of slow-curing thiolene polymers. These polymers offer superior elastic properties, rapidly returning to their original state after bending, making them ideal for crafting flexible ligaments in robotic structures.
A notable achievement of this technology is the creation of a robotic hand with bones, ligaments, and tendons made from diverse polymers in a single printing process. Thomas Buchner, a doctoral student in the group of ETH Zurich’s robotics professor Robert Katzschmann, highlights the significance: “We’re now using slow-curing thiolene polymers. These have very good elastic properties and return to their original state much faster after bending than polyacrylates.”
Soft robots, such as the intricately printed robotic hand, offer advantages over their metal counterparts. Their pliability reduces the risk of injury when working with humans, and they prove more adept at handling delicate items. The ability to combine soft, elastic, and rigid materials seamlessly opens doors to versatile applications in robotics.
The 3D printing process has been redefined to accommodate slow-curing polymers. A 3D laser scanner checks each layer for surface irregularities, providing real-time feedback to adjust material deposition accurately. Unlike previous methods that involved scraping off irregularities, this technology adapts to uneven layers by incorporating them into subsequent layers.
MIT spin-off Inkbit played a pivotal role in developing this cutting-edge printing technology. ETH Zurich researchers collaborated on optimizing the technology for slow-curing polymers, resulting in a joint publication in the journal Nature.
Professor Wojciech Matusik of MIT emphasizes the significance of the feedback mechanism: “A feedback mechanism compensates for these irregularities when printing the next layer by calculating any necessary adjustments to the amount of material to be printed in real time and with pinpoint accuracy.”
Moving forward, ETH Zurich’s robotics group plans to explore additional possibilities using the technology, delving into more sophisticated structures and applications. Meanwhile, Inkbit aims to leverage this breakthrough for a 3D printing service and the commercial sale of advanced printers. The fusion of Swiss and US expertise marks a monumental step towards reshaping the capabilities of 3D printing technology and its potential impact across various industries.
