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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, D. 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. ISSN 1932-6203

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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

Subjects:

T Technology > TS Manufactures

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > 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:

Date	Event
21 November 2012	Published

Volume:

Vol.7

Number:

No.11

Page Range:

e49365

Identification Number:

10.1371/journal.pone.0049365

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Open Access

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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