Printed Paper Actuator: A Low-cost Reversible Actuation and Sensing Method for Shape Changing ...
summary
A low-cost actuator prints a single-layer conductive PLA trace onto copy paper with an FDM MakerBot, heat-sets in an oven (70 °C, ~10 s) to create a bilayer shape-memory hinge, and flattens under Joule heating when powered; it reliably cycles but overheats and chars if driven too hard. Experiments show narrower zig-zag elements yield larger bending angles, and around 4–9 V on small samples gives maximum bend with repeatability. A linear resistance-to-angle mapping enables self bending-angle detection. Demos include a gripper, crawling robot, pop-up book, mimosa leaf, and a variable lampshade.
AI-written summary · about
chapters (10)
- 0:00Introduction to paper actuators
- 1:55Fabrication process explained
- 5:05Primitive structure designs
- 6:55Performance analysis methods
- 10:30Sensing techniques with paper
- 12:19Design software and library
- 13:24Applications and demos
- 14:50Related work and contributions
- 15:55Future and democratizing tech
- 16:38Q&A session
related talks
20muniMorph: Fabricating Thin Film Composites for Shape-Changing Interfaces
20m4DMesh: 4D Printing Morphing Non-Developable Mesh Surfaces
15mFlexiBend: Enabling Interactivity of Multi-Part, Deformable Fabrications Using ...
06mMorphingCircuit: An Integrated Design, Simulation, and Fabrication Workflow for Self-morphing ...
17mLineFORM: Actuated Curve Interfaces for Display, Interaction, and Constraint
23mMetamaterial Mechanisms
18mA 3D Printer Head as a Robotic Manipulator
14mTransforming Everyday Objects into Dynamic Interfaces using Smart Flat-Foldable Structures
