Facile Fabrication for Flexible Pressure Sensor Using FDM-Type 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

In this study, we fabricated a blade-shaped pattern (BSP) pressure sensor by using fused deposition modeling (FDM)-type three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. We utilized the layer structure of FDM-type 3D printing to fabricate the microsurface structure of electrode without requiring complex mechanical or chemical processes. The flexible substrate with a micro-pattern was fabricated by casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto the 3D printed mold. The different morphology of the BSP was achieved by adjusting the printing angle and layer height. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was then drop-cast to impart electrical conductivity. The sensitivity of the pressure sensor increased as the printing angle increased and the printing layer height decreased, reaching a maximum value of 44.29 kPa-1. The proposed concept offers a facile fabrication method for flexible pressure sensors without complicated process, making it applicable to the field of wearable and healthcare devices.