Embedded 3D Printing of Architected Ceramics via Microwave-Activated Polymerization.

Light- and ink-based 3D printing methods have vastly expanded the design space and geometric complexity of architected ceramics. However, light-based methods are typically confined to a relatively narrow range of preceramic and particle-laden resins, while ink-based methods are limited in geometric complexity due to layerwise assembly. Here, embedded 3D printing is combined with microwave-activated curing to generate architected ceramics with spatially controlled composition in freeform shapes.

Embedded 3D Printing of Multimaterial Polymer Lattices via Graph-Based Print Path Planning.

Recent advances in computational design and 3D printing enable the fabrication of polymer lattices with high strength-to-weight ratio and tailored mechanics. To date, 3D lattices composed of monolithic materials have primarily been constructed due to limitations associated with most commercial 3D printing platforms. Here, freeform fabrication of multi-material polymer lattices via embedded three-dimensional (EMB3D) printing is demonstrated.

Untethered soft robotic matter with passive control of shape morphing and propulsion.

There is growing interest in creating untethered soft robotic matter that can repeatedly shape-morph and self-propel in response to external stimuli. Toward this goal, we printed soft robotic matter composed of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) bilayers with orthogonal director alignment and different nematic-to-isotropic transition temperatures ( ) to form active hinges that interconnect polymeric tiles. When heated above their respective actuation temperatures, the printed LCE hinges exhibit a large, reversible bending response.