Wienzek, Tristan
[Author];
Seibel, Arthur
[Author]
;
Technische Universität Hamburg,
Technische Universität Hamburg Institut für Laser- und Anlagensystemtechnik,
Technische Universität Hamburg Arbeitsbereich Anlagensystemtechnik und Methodische Produktentwicklung
Automated fabrication of elastomeric prepregs for soft robotics applications
Footnote:
Sonstige Körperschaft: Technische Universität Hamburg
Sonstige Körperschaft: Technische Universität Hamburg, Institut für Laser- und Anlagensystemtechnik
Sonstige Körperschaft: Technische Universität Hamburg, Arbeitsbereich Anlagensystemtechnik und Methodische Produktentwicklung
Description:
Fluidic elastomer soft robots typically consist of a top and a strain-limiting bottom part. Both parts are usually cast and then glued together. Elastomeric prepregs, which can be stored at low temperatures for several months without significant cross-linking, simplify this manufacturing process. A cured top part of an arbitrary shape is placed on the wet prepreg, which later forms the strain-limiting layer, and the actuator is finally cured in an oven. Herein, a machine is designed and developed that automatically produces prepregs. Three different concepts are realized in a modular prototype: direct roller application, reverse roller application, and application with slot dies. Experiments show that the direct and the reverse roller application concepts are both suitable for the automated production of prepregs, where the latter one may be preferred due to the smaller number of contact surfaces. Three different textiles (polyester/cotton-blended fabric, nylon fabric, and fleece) are impregnated with the reverse roller application concept using Sylgard 184 and stored at −25 °C for 12 days. Using these prepregs, soft bending actuators are manufactured and tested for their functionality. Long-term fatigue tests show that only actuators produced with fleece prepregs are durable, without any signs of delamination.