Imagine a time when we have robotics which are able to move like human beings, with actual movements which are dictated by muscles similar to our own. Imagine a time when prosthetic devices function no differently than the actual body parts that they are replacing. A prosthetic leg could have the same basic man-made structure of muscle fibers within it as seen in an actual human leg. These artificial muscles would be light-weight, energy efficient, and best of all work amazingly well. This future may be here sooner than we all could have imagined.
This week, it was revealed that the Factory Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) Institute at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), has purchased an Aerosol Jet Quad Print Engine, from the production grade 3D printer manufacturer, Optomec. Optomec, is known for their Aerosoljet technology within their printers, which allows for prints with extremely high resolution, as well as the ability to print with a variety of conductive materials, and materials which can be utilized for the fabrication of end-use products.
There is a reason why FAPS approached Optomec for this purchase. They are looking to develop an automated production environment by which they can manufacturer artificial muscles, known as dielectric elastomer actuators(DEAS). In doing so, FABS hopes to utilize these DEAS in many interesting applications, including that of prosthetic devices, robots, and games.
“As Aerosol Jet printing technology allows the manufacturing of homogeneous layers with a thickness below 10 microns, the process seems very well suited to print stacked DEA composed of Silicone layers as dielectric medium and Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) compounded silicone electrodes,” said Dr. Sebastian Reitelshöfer, Director of the Research Sector Biomechatronics at FAPS. “We believe this will be an important element in the successful production ramp up of DEA-based applications.”
The Aerosol Jet Print Engine will enable FAPS to print fine details with multiple materials. In fact, the modular system can be customized for the job, able to print with four different materials during a single project, as well as having the ability to print on multiple substrates simultaneously.
“We’re pleased to see the unique capabilities of Aerosol Jet technology being applied to the exciting area of DEAs and helping develop production grade manufacturing environments for their implementation,” said Ken Vartanian, VP of Marketing at Optomec. “The research being done at FAPS holds great potential for many life-changing innovations and we’re proud to be contributing to accelerate the commercial viability of this work.”
By enabling FAPS to print conductive elements at microscopic levels, along with biomaterials within the same system, the manufacturing of DEAs, and the subsequent applications of those DEAS may be realized sooner than we all may have thought.
Let’s here your thought on this research, Optomec printers, and what may come out of all this in the Optomec FAPS 3D printed DEA forum thread on 3DPB.com. More details on Optomec’s AerosolJet system can be found here. Check out the short video below, showing how the Aerosoljet technology works:
[Image Source: ntu.edu.sg]
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
3D Printing News Briefs, June 4, 2025: Full-Color Slicer, Denture Implants, & More
In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’ll start with some software and post-processing news, and then move on to a case report in which digital dentistry was successfully used. Read...
AM Research: Satellites Identified as Major 3D Printing Market Growth Opportunity
Over the last ten years, the satellite industry has grown significantly. In the “new space race” going on between the more industrialized nations of the world, stiff competition has resulted...
3D Systems Showcases Inkjetting for 3D Printed Dentures
The dental 3D printing market is currently the most competitive sector in additive manufacturing. With end-to-end solutions, low-cost printers, high-end systems, metals, polymers, and software, the industry is rapidly evolving....
3D Printing and Dentistry: 2024’s Progress, 2025’s Promise
Few industries have embraced technology as naturally as dentistry did with 3D printing. From faster workflows to new materials, additive manufacturing has cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern dental...