Pellet-based 3D printing of soft thermoplastic elastomeric membranes for soft robotic applications

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising solution for handling the complexity of fabricating soft robots. However, the AM of hyperelastic materials is still challenging with a limited material range. Within this work, pellet-based 3D printing of very soft thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) was explored (down to Shore Hardness 00-30). Our results show that TPEs can have similar engineering stress and maximum elongation as Ecoflex 00-10. In addition, we 3D-printed airtight thin TPE membranes (0.2-1.2 mm), which could inflate up to a stretch of 1320%. Combining the membrane's large expansion and softness with the 3D printing of hollow structures simplified the design of a bending actuator that can bend 180 degrees and reach a blocked force of 238 times its weight. In addition, by 3D printing TPE pellets and rigid filaments, the soft membrane could grasp objects by enveloping an object or as a sensorized sucker, which relied on the TPE's softness to conform to the object or act as a seal. In addition, the sucker's membrane acted as a tactile sensor to detect an object before adhesion. These results suggest the feasibility of AM of soft robots using soft TPEs and membranes as a promising material type and sensorized actuators, respectively. • 3D printing of thermoplastics with a softness similar to soft silicone rubbers. • Inflated soft, thin (0.2-1.0 mm) 3D printed membranes up to 1320% stretch. • Utilized the soft membranes for a bending actuator, sucker, and gripper. • Demonstrated actuation and tactile sensing through a 3D printed membraned sucker. • Showed how inflatable membranes can simplify a soft bending actuator's design.