Fabrication of a Dielectric Electro Active Polymer Tube Actuator With Pre-Strain Mechanism Available to Purchase

The aim of this paper is to discuss and present our work on the fabrication of a Dielectric Electro Active Polymer (DEAP) actuator with a pre-strain mechanism. In this study the actuator uses commercially available evaluation DEAP film from Danfoss Polypower A/S. The manufacturing process is presented as well blocked force and free displacement data for voltages ranging from 0 to 2500 volts. Challenges encountered during the manufacturing of the actuator are also described and possible solutions discussed.