We describe a simple approach to actuate polymer sheets that uses localized light absorption on a pre-stressed polymer film to induce self-folding. Self-folding is a deterministic assembly process that causes a predefined 2D template to fold into a desired 3D structure with high fidelity. Self-folding takes advantage of the multitude of available 2D patterning techniques (e.g., lithography, inkjet printing, screen printing). Self-folding is attractive as a cost-effective 3D fabrication strategy for applications such as packaging, robotic actuators and sensors, biological devices, solar cellsand reconfigurable devices. Most approaches to self-folding use hinges (i.e., regions of a substrate that fold) that have unique chemical composition from the bulk, which requires complicated photolithography or other multiple fabrication steps. Our approach to self-folding relies on printing patterns of ink on a pre-strained polymer film. The substrates are commercially available pre-stressed polymer sheets. The hinges (black ink) are patterned using a desktop printer on either side of the optically transparent sheets. Hinges absorb selectively the light to heat the underlying polymer and causes the polymer sheets to fold into complex 3D structures (e.g., cubes, tetrahedrons) within seconds.  The approach is appealing because it uses inexpensive materials and simple patterning techniques to form complex structures.

Actuating polymer sheets that self-fold in response to light

246th National Meeting (2013)

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