First successful soft structure print with our new Formlabs Form 4 system
We have successfully completed the first 3D print of soft robotic structure using our new Formlabs Form 4 stereolithography system at the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering!
The Form 4 enables the fabrication of precise prototypes and functional components from photopolymer resins, including parts with complex geometries, thin walls, internal pneumatic channels, and fine structural details. The system will support our research on soft pneumatic actuators, bioinspired robots, kirigami structures, hyperelastic materials, and wearable rehabilitation devices.
The printer is accompanied by the Form Wash V2 and second-generation Form Cure, providing an integrated workflow for automated washing, controlled UV curing, and thermal post-processing of printed components.
The system is shared research equipment of the:
- Laboratory for Mechatronic Systems Design
- Laboratory for Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Laboratory for Bioinspired Robotics
The acquisition of the system was funded through the University of Rijeka projects:
- Experimental Characterization and Numerical Modeling of Hyperelastic Materials for Soft Robotics Applications, led by Assoc. Prof. Jelena Srnec Novak
- Biomimetic Soft Pneumatic Robots Based on the Kirigami Design, led by Assoc. Prof. Goran Gregov
This first print marks the beginning of a new experimental workflow for the rapid fabrication, testing, and iterative improvement of soft robotic components and functional prototypes.
