Open Access

Lukas Stiglmeier, Thomas Wendt, Nikolai Hangst, Philipp Gawron, Stefan Rupitsch

• This contribution introduces a guideline for the fabrication of fully 3D-printed torque sensor elements. Recent advances in 3D printing technology have made it possible to produce objects and functional structures by employing a variety of 3D printing processes and materials. 3D printing therefore provides an alternative approach to sensor fabrication. Fully 3D-printed resistive torque sensors,This contribution introduces a guideline for the fabrication of fully 3D-printed torque sensor elements. Recent advances in 3D printing technology have made it possible to produce objects and functional structures by employing a variety of 3D printing processes and materials. 3D printing therefore provides an alternative approach to sensor fabrication. Fully 3D-printed resistive torque sensors, encompassing both the elastic structure and strain gauges produced by 3D printing processes, are rarely encountered in the literature. Here, we address this gap by presenting a guideline for the fabrication of fully 3D-printed torque sensor elements. The application of the guideline is demonstrated through a prototype. The guideline consists of three main steps: ”Design”, ”Fabrication” and ”Evaluation”. As part of the guideline, the combination of different 3D printing materials and 3D printing processes will be demonstrated. In order to coordinate the different printing processes and materials, an iterative process is introduced in the design phase. In the second step, ”Fabrication”, the capabilities of a five-axis 3D printing system are demonstrated. In the final step, ”Evaluation”, the sensor element is calibrated. The aim of this guideline is to provide an orientation for the future development and research of 3D-printed sensor elements.…