Sequential multi-material embedded 3D printing of soft composite actuators

Soft composite actuators are developed for a variety of applications, yet the fabrication of composite actuators with complex external geometries and internal structures such as self-sensing actuators remains one of the greatest impediments. Here, the limitation is addressed by a novel 3D printing technology, Sequential Multimaterial Embedded 3D Printing (SME3P). Different properties of printed inks are investigated to optimize the fabrication of soft composite actuators. Various composite sensors and actuators are fabricated to verify the feasibility of SME3P. This SME3P technique offers an unparalleled printing capability to fabricate the complex composite actuators for real-life applications.