3D printed HASEL platform using the effect of phase transition

Abstract:
HASEL actuators, representing hydraulically amplified (self-healing) electrostatic actuators, are fluid-filled soft actuators known for a large stroke and high generated forces. When high voltage is applied, electrostatic forces cause the electrodes of the chamber between them to attract each other and displace the fluid inside. In this contribution, chambers are linked via fluidic channels, allowing fluid movement between adjacent chambers. Still, these actuators are often manually fabricated and prone to fluid leakage. This work introduces an additive manufacturing approach using a widely automated 3D printing system. Polymer layers are applied via Direct Ink Writing (DIW) with a two-component printer, while the fluid is dispensed through a one-component extruder and is frozen thereafter. The produced sample is experimentally analyzed with respect to its electromechanical behavior, resulting in a stroke up to 300 µm.