Benchmarking Additive Manufactured Silicone Actuators: A Trajectory and Bending Analysis

Schreiber F, Gugel L, Vogelgsang P, Franke J, Manns M (2026)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering Springer

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Pages Range: 829-837

Conference Proceedings Title: Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering

Event location: Siegen DE

ISBN: 9783032168887

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-16889-4_78

Abstract

In soft robotics, pneumatic network actuators (pneunets) enhance safety in human–robot collaboration by reducing injury risks from rigid grippers. This study investigates the additive manufacturability and bending behavior of pneunets that are fabricated using various additive manufacturing (AM) processes, focusing on the Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM) process for real silicone. Compared to TPU-based pneunets manufactured via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), LAM pneunets achieve a larger bending angle (104°) without structural failure and exhibit superior resilience compared to PolyJet (PJ) pneunets. Trajectory analysis reveals that softer materials experience pre-bending due to gravity. However, the LAM pneunets demonstrate high elasticity and return to their original shape after actuation, making them promising for soft robotic applications such as delicate object handling. The findings highlight the potential of LAM manufactured silicone to improve pneunet performance. Future work focuses on optimizing the LAM process, evaluating long-term durability, and refining trajectory control to enhance functionality, for more flexible and efficient soft robotic systems in industrial settings.

Authors with CRIS profile

Lukas Gugel Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik (FAPS) Jörg Franke Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik (FAPS)

Involved external institutions

Universität Siegen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Schreiber, F., Gugel, L., Vogelgsang, P., Franke, J., & Manns, M. (2026). Benchmarking Additive Manufactured Silicone Actuators: A Trajectory and Bending Analysis. In Martin Manns (Eds.), Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering (pp. 829-837). Siegen, DE: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH.

MLA:

Schreiber, Florian, et al. "Benchmarking Additive Manufactured Silicone Actuators: A Trajectory and Bending Analysis." Proceedings of the 10th Changeable, Agile, Reconfigurable and Virtual Production Conference, CARV 2025 and the 12th World Mass Customization and Personalization Conference, MCPC 2025, Siegen Ed. Martin Manns, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026. 829-837.

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