A new versatile, mask- and assembly-free, time- and material-saving method based on dual-material aerosol jet printing has been introduced, aiming to advance the fabrication of magneto-responsive soft materials. Detailed in the latest publication of Advanced Materials Technologies under the title “Dual‐Material Aerosol Jet Printing of Magneto‐Responsive Polymers with In‐Process Tailorable Composition for Small‐Scale Soft Robotics,” this technique presents significant potential for the creation of small-scale multi-material soft objects with complex shapes and programmable functions. These objects can have their movements remotely controlled via an external magnetic field, offering promising applications in technology and biomedicine.
Potential Applications in Technology and Medicine
The new method promises to enhance the development of magneto-responsive soft materials (MSMs) by enabling in-process tailoring and local control of magnetic properties. For the first time, this capability has been demonstrated using computer-controlled dual-material aerosol jet printing (DMAJP). This approach facilitates the controlled mixing of a magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) ink and a photocurable polymer during the printing process. By adjusting the mixing ratio of the two aerosols, the MNPs loading in the nanocomposite can be controlled, allowing for precise local manipulation of the magnetic properties of the printed structures.
The DMAJP method is structured in a layer-by-layer fashion, incorporating a sacrificial layer approach to build fully freestanding MSM structures. This allows for the combination of magnetoactive and non-magnetoactive elements within a single, multi-material printing process, eliminating the need for further assembly. The result is the direct manufacturing of small-scale multi-material soft objects capable of complex shapes and programmable functions, controlled by applying an external magnetic field.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Methods
The dual-material aerosol jet printing method marks a significant advancement over previous techniques, which often required multiple steps and complex assembly processes. Historically, the fabrication of magneto-responsive materials involved intricate layering and assembly to achieve the desired magnetic properties. This new approach simplifies the process, reducing time and material costs while enhancing precision and control over the material properties.
Earlier methods also faced limitations in scalability and the ability to create complex shapes and functions at a small scale. The DMAJP method addresses these challenges by offering a more streamlined and efficient process for creating intricate, programmable structures. The ability to directly control the magnetic properties during the printing process represents a notable improvement, providing greater flexibility and potential for customization in technological and biomedical applications.
The innovative method for manufacturing magneto-responsive soft materials showcased in this article presents a significant leap forward in the field. By integrating dual-material aerosol jet printing with in-process tailorable composition control, the potential applications in soft robotics, medical devices, and other advanced technologies are vast. The enhanced precision, reduced material and time costs, and the elimination of complex assembly processes provide a clear pathway for future advancements. The ability to create small-scale, complex, and programmable structures opens new avenues for research and development, making this method a valuable tool for scientists and engineers alike.
