Additive Manufacturing of Flexible Material for Pneumatic Actuators Application

In this paper, endurance of peristaltic linear pneumatic actuators was studied using different hose geometries. Towards goal, geometries were additively manufactured Fused Layer Manufacturing techniques Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer. Material properties the elastomer Differential Scanning Calorimetry and tensile test. The relations between sample’s print temperature build direction on actuator investigated. Lastly, relation geometry design PLPA its is also discussed. Based methodology, authors present results showing that use a customized shaped with geometrical reinforcement at sides leads to considerable rise in endurance, when compared conventional circular design.