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Material Insight: Liquid Printed Pneumatics
News / Articles / Material Insight: Liquid Printed Pneumatics

Material Insight: Liquid Printed Pneumatics

June 3, 2019 by Material ConneXion

First Fully Liquid Printed Pneumatics (MC# 778707)

BMW collaborated with MIT’s Self-Assembly Laboratory to create a breakthrough process in 3D printing. This printed inflatable material technology compared with other 3D techniques, combines industrial materials with extremely fast print speeds (in a matter of minutes) in a precisely controlled process that yields large-scale products– an achievement not seen before.

The resulting silicone rubber is the first fully printed inflatable material that can self-transform, adapt and morph into different shapes depending on the amount of air pressure in the system. It is also air and water impermeable. For example, a linear actuator with a 2 in (5.1 cm) diameter can expand from 2 inches long (5.1 cm) to 5 in long (12.7 cm) when inflated.

Originally inspired by BMW’s forward-thinking ideas for adaptable future interiors, the pneumatic controls in the system allow the printed structure to transform into a variety of functions for different sectors, such as automotive, industrial, medical, and textiles.

This research lab can work with companies interested in co-developing similar or new material and fabrication technologies*. PLEASE BE ADVISED, THIS IS A DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY AND NOT A PRODUCT

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