project

Joining chemically incompatible materials for fused deposition modeling

Aug 2021 - ongoing

MSc student Klaas Jan van der Vlist developed a method for joining two chemically incompatible materials in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to create dual-material objects. By innovating with a form interlocking shape and a non-planar printing approach, this research enables the printing of complex structures like a prosthetic hand, where PLA and TPU materials interlock for enhanced functionality. Demonstrating improved strength and applicability, this method opens new possibilities in robotics, prosthetics, and wearable technology.