3D printed Liquid Crystal Elastomer mechanical devices*

3D printing allows the creation of macro-sized Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) devices.[1,2] Here we show 3 cm-scale 3D printed mechanical LCE devices.

The 1st project is a dynamically crystallizing LCE spinal fusion cage designed to treat degenerative disc disease (DDD). Compared to existing devices, our device conforms to the vertebral endplates and provides a large surface area and minimizes stress concentrations – thus minimizing the chance of conditions such as subsidence and adjacent level disease.

The 2nd project explores the structure property relationships of anisotropic dissipative LCE devices. Using these materials and techniques we demonstrate a prototype total disc replacement device that offers same functionality as the natural intervertebral disc.

The third project demonstrates highly dissipative and rate dependent LCE lattice structures created via digital light processing (DLP) printing. Compared to DIW, DLP printing allows us to create complex overhanging geometries with micron-resolution. The high rate dependency of our LCE resin means our devices provide effective shock absorbance over range of impact speeds.

1. R. H. Volpe et. al. in revision (2019)
2. N. A. Traugutt et. al. in preparation (2019)