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A simple, low-cost conductive composite material for 3D printing of electronic sensors
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Leigh, Simon J., Bradley, Robert J., Purssell, C. P., Billson, Duncan R. and Hutchins, David A. (2012) A simple, low-cost conductive composite material for 3D printing of electronic sensors. PLoS One, Vol.7 (No.11). e49365. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049365 ISSN 1932-6203.
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WRAP_Leigh_journal.pone.0049365.pdf - Published Version Download (550Kb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049365
Abstract
3D printing technology can produce complex objects directly from computer aided digital designs. The technology has traditionally been used by large companies to produce fit and form concept prototypes (‘rapid prototyping’) before production. In recent years however there has been a move to adopt the technology as full-scale manufacturing solution. The advent of low-cost, desktop 3D printers such as the RepRap and Fab@Home has meant a wider user base are now able to have access to desktop manufacturing platforms enabling them to produce highly customised products for personal use and sale. This uptake in usage has been coupled with a demand for printing technology and materials able to print functional elements such as electronic sensors. Here we present formulation of a simple conductive thermoplastic composite we term ‘carbomorph’ and demonstrate how it can be used in an unmodified low-cost 3D printer to print electronic sensors able to sense mechanical flexing and capacitance changes. We show how this capability can be used to produce custom sensing devices and user interface devices along with printed objects with embedded sensing capability. This advance in low-cost 3D printing with offer a new paradigm in the 3D printing field with printed sensors and electronics embedded inside 3D printed objects in a single build process without requiring complex or expensive materials incorporating additives such as carbon nanotubes.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||
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Subjects: | T Technology > TS Manufactures | ||||
Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Engineering > Engineering | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Three-dimensional printing, Thermoplastic composites, Detectors -- Design and construction | ||||
Journal or Publication Title: | PLoS One | ||||
Publisher: | Public Library of Science | ||||
ISSN: | 1932-6203 | ||||
Official Date: | 21 November 2012 | ||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | Vol.7 | ||||
Number: | No.11 | ||||
Page Range: | e49365 | ||||
DOI: | 10.1371/journal.pone.0049365 | ||||
Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||
Publication Status: | Published | ||||
Access rights to Published version: | Open Access (Creative Commons) | ||||
Date of first compliant deposit: | 23 December 2015 | ||||
Date of first compliant Open Access: | 23 December 2015 | ||||
Funder: | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Advantage West Midlands (AWM), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) | ||||
Grant number: | 30821 (EPSRC) |
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