HotFlex Enables Post-3D Printing Customization

Once something is 3D-printed, modification is possible, though limited in its scope. Generally for any major changes, you’ll need to make another print. Since, in theory at least, the printer does the work for you, this might seem like a normal interaction. If you need to iterate over and over, however, this process can be wasteful and take quite a bit of time.

HotFlex, though, puts a different spin (or perhaps twist) on things. Developed by a team of researchers at Saarland University, this computer-controlled composite structure enables 3D-printed objects to be precisely deformed after printing on demand.

An Arduino-based heating element activates a moldable structure inside of a base layer, which can then be bent into shape. When it cools off, it’s solid again! Aside from making static 3D printed objects bendable, HotFlex can also be used to create touch-responsive sensors and information-displaying surfaces.

Though maybe more limited than producing a normal print, four primitives in 10 functional patterns can be used as building blocks for your moldable print! Interested in learning more? Be sure to read all about HotFlex in its published paper, as well as in 3ders.org’s recent write-up.