Work

Designing for compliance at the microscale: DfAM lessons from a 2PP-printed bellows structure for sensing and actuation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT: AM enables the design of compliant mechanisms that encode functions directly into geometry. Existing DfAM frameworks rarely address microscale AM, such as two-photon polymerisation (2PP). We present the design process of an airtight, monolithic bellows structure in rigid 2PP resin that serves both as a sensor and an actuator. Through co-evolution of problem and solution, we identify 2PP-specific design considerations and opportunities, including fabrication uncertainties, cross-scale iteration, and design for post-processing, contributing to a case-based DfAM framework for microscale AM.

Source: Proceedings of the Design Society

DOI: 10.1017/pds.2026.10571

Authors: Vegar Stubberud, Simon Nysæter, Martin Steinert, Håkon Jarand Dugstad Johnsen

Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: