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Towards fully 3D printed dielectric elastomer actuators—A mini review

Rollo Pattinson, Nathan Ellmer, Mokarram Hossain Orcid Logo, Rogelio Ortigosa, Jesús Martínez-Frutos, Antonio Gil Orcid Logo, Anil Bastola Orcid Logo

Additive Manufacturing Letters, Volume: 14, Start page: 100304

Swansea University Authors: Rollo Pattinson, Nathan Ellmer, Mokarram Hossain Orcid Logo, Antonio Gil Orcid Logo, Anil Bastola Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.addlet.2025.100304

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have attracted the interest of researchers in soft robotics and biomimetics, due to their versatile capabilities, explored through numerical analysis and experimentation. Advances in computational simulation techniques have accelerated numerical studies on DEAs,...

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Published in: Additive Manufacturing Letters
ISSN: 2772-3690
Published: Elsevier BV 2025
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69962
Abstract: Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have attracted the interest of researchers in soft robotics and biomimetics, due to their versatile capabilities, explored through numerical analysis and experimentation. Advances in computational simulation techniques have accelerated numerical studies on DEAs, enabling even design optimisation for improved performance. However, as computational models grow in sophistication, the fabrication methods required often exceed the capabilities of traditional manufacturing. Additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing, offers a promising solution to the challenges of realising intricate multi-functional designs developed through topology optimisation. Its precision and ability to create complex geometries make it well-suited for translating computational designs into functional DEA devices. This mini-review examines recent progress in 3D printing for DEA fabrication, emphasising its role in bridging the gap between computational design and physical devices. It also highlights emerging technologies and key challenges that must be addressed to fully realise topologically optimised DEA designs.
Item Description: Short review
Keywords: Dielectric elastomer actuators; Additive manufacturing; Topology optimisation; Electro-active polymers
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: The authors wish to acknowledge the support provided by the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). A.J. Gil also wishes to acknowledge The Leverhulme Trust Foundation (UK) through a Leverhulme Fellowship. R. Ortigosa and J. Martínez-Frutos acknowledge funding received from grant PID2022-141957OA-C22 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ and by ‘‘ERDF A way of making Europe’’. R. Ortigosa also acknowledges the support provided by the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, Spain, through the programme for the development of scientific and technical research by competitive groups (21996/PI/22), included in the Regional Program for the Promotion of Scientific and Technical Research of Fundación Séneca - Agencia de Ciencia Tecnología de la Región de Murcia. M. Hossain acknowledges the support of the EPSRC via a Standard Grant (EP/Z535710/1) and the Royal Society (UK) through the International Exchange Grant (IEC/NSFC/211316).
Start Page: 100304

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