Fabrication of Smart Components by 3D Printing and Laser-scribing Technologies

Smart 3D printed structural components with self-monitoring ability show potential applications in some extreme environments, such as deep-water and space. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) provides a feasible solution; however, it is still a big challenge to print structural components with high bending and stretching mechanical properties because of the weak interlayer bonding and the pores. Here, a low-cost and facile fabrication strategy of smart components combining FDM with laser-scribing technology is reported. A thin laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer (∼50 μm) can serve as the active materials of sensors, which can be obtained on the printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) components. Accordingly, the PEEK–LIG smart components (PEEK–LIG SCs) can self-monitor the working process and the deformations (bidirectional bending and stretching) in real time with high sensitivity. For instance, the gauge factors of PEEK–LIG SCs for bending outward and stretching are up to 155.36 and 212.35 (2–5% strain), respect...