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Photoactuated pens have emerged as promising tools for expedient, mask-free, and versatile nanomanufacturing. However, the challenge of effectively controlling individual pens in large arrays for high-throughput patterning has been a significant hurdle. In this study, we introduce novel generations of photoactuated pens and explore the impact of pen architecture on photoactuation efficiency and crosstalk through simulations and experiments. By introducing a thermal insulating layer and incorporating an air ap in the architecture design, we have achieved the separation of pens into independent units. This new design allowed for improved control over the actuation behavior of individual pens, markedly reducing the influence of neighboring pens. The results of our research suggest novel applications of photoactive composite films as advanced actuators across diverse fields, including lithography, adaptive optics, and soft robotics.
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MAKER: 3D Pen Utilization in 3D Printing Practices
During the 2017 Engineering-a-Future activities at Tennessee Tech University, a set of 3D Pen activities has been organized for the female Middle School Students (5th and 6th grades) so that they learn more about the engineering fields and their practices in daily life. Various Additive Manufacturing technologies have been presented to students, and students have toured the lab facilities. During the 45-minute timeframe, students were grouped and constructed 3D art objects (butterfly, necklace, bird, and glasses) using the available 3D Pens. It was observed that the students had high enthusiasm about the new technology. This study will present the utilization of 3D Printing Pens in various practices, and report the current advantageous and disadvantageous of 3D Pen exercises detected through recent studies.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1601587
- PAR ID:
- 10026368
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- 2017 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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