A batch-fabricated laser-micromachined PDMS actuator with stamped carbon grease electrodes

Abstract

In this note, we report on the development of a batch-fabricated laser-micromachined elastomeric cantilever actuator composed of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bilayer (active/inactive) and soft-lithographically patterned conductive carbon grease electrodes. The described unimorph structure has a low actuation voltage and large out-of-plane displacement. For a 4 mm long, 1 mm wide, and 80 mu m thick actuator, an out-of-plane displacement of 1.2 mm and a maximum force of 25 mu N were measured using 450 V actuation voltage.

Keywords

ELASTOMERS; DESIGN

DOI

10.1088/0960-1317/21/2/027002

Citation

T Maleki, G Chitnis, and B Ziaie. Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Volume 21, Number 2

Date of this Version

2-2011

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