Project 3D Silicone Project Program Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Research Program Term Fall 2025 Status Closed Research Area Manufacturing Description This research project aims to reproduce a custom-built 3D printer designed to directly print soft robots using two-part platinum cure silicone. Traditional soft robotics fabrication methods rely on molding techniques, which are labor-intensive and prone to human error. This project will focus on replicating the printer, validating its performance, and further optimizing the printing process for improved accuracy, speed, and robustness. The project will explore key areas, including mechanical design, extrusion mechanisms, thermal control, and material processing. Supervisor James M Gibert Mentor Type of work required 1. Mechanical Design & Assembly
Tasks:
Design and assemble the 3D printer frame using aluminum profiles.
Integrate stepper motors, linear rails, and motion control systems.
Implement a syringe pump system for precise material extrusion.
Required Skills:
CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360)
Mechanical assembly
Hands-on experience with 3D printing
Extruder & Material Handling
Tasks:
Reproduce the extruder mechanism for two-part silicone mixing.
Design and implement a heating system for controlled curing.
Test the impact of various additives on silicone viscosity.
Required Skills:
Fluid mechanics, rheology
Polymer science
Experience with material characterization (rheometers, viscometers)
2. Electronics & Software Integration
Tasks:
Develop control algorithms for the printer using Pronterface & Slic3r.
Integrate sensors for temperature, flow rate, and pressure monitoring.
Optimize G-code generation for precise extrusion control.
Required Skills:
Embedded systems (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
Programming (Python, G-code)
Circuit design and sensor integration
3. Experimental Testing & Validation
Tasks:
Perform mechanical characterization (bend angle, force, failure pressure).
Compare 3D-printed robots with molded versions.
Conduct dimensional accuracy analysis using CAD measurements.
Required Skills:
Experimental design & data analysis
Hands-on experience with mechanical testing equipment
MATLAB/Python for data processing Websites Qualifications ME 270: Basic Mechanics I ME 274: Basic Mechanics II ME 315: Heat and Mass Transfer ME 444: Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing (or equivalent) MSE 230: Structure and Properties of Materials ECE 201L for electronics team Credit Hours 3 Weekly Hours 12 (estimated)