Towards a 3D Printed Strain Sensor Employing Additive Manufacturing Technology for the Marine Industry

Abstract

This study focuses on the successful fabrication of a cost-effective strain sensor using exclusively additive manufacturing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, enabling fast on-site production, which is particularly advantageous in maritime settings, reducing downtime, and supporting a circular economy approach by minimizing inventory needs and environmental footprint. The principle of operation of the developed device is based on the piezoresistive characteristics of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-enriched building material, from which the main sensing element consists. The prototype exhibited reliable piezoresistive properties, and a clear correlation was observed between the thermal treatment of the printed piezoresistor and the resulting gauge factor, linearity, and hysteresis. Its robustness, simple design, and single-step manufacturing process, together with its ability to be integrated into the readout circuitry through standard soldering, enhance its reliability and durability. The key advantages of the proposed device include its low cost, simple design, and rapid remote production.