Single-process 3D Printed Dynamic Sensors

3D printing can significantly simplify the manufacturing of complex individualized devices (e.g., medical devices, custom sensors). Especially promising is the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology because it offers multimaterial printing where different functional materials can be used (e.g., conductive, magnetic) and because it is relatively affordable (the materials as well as the required devices). Recently, low-conductive and high-conductive filaments for 3D printing have been introduced; the low-conductive filaments can be used for sensory applications, while the highly conductive filaments can be used for wires and similar applications. The grand challenge of this research is to develop a 3D printed dynamic sensors with high-sensitivity and low-noise and fully integrated into the support-structure (including electrical wiring) in a single 3D printing process. The grand challenge will be reached by three research objectives: Basic research on single-process piezoresistive and piezoelectric sensory elements.Single-process 3D printing of sensory element, wires and EMI protectionDevelopment of functional single-process prototype sensors and smart structures.