Fabrication of miniature high-speed actuator capable of biomimetic flapping motions

Beyond conventional military products, technologies in the defense industry sectors around the globe are integrated and fused with newly emerging technologies such as three-dimensional printing (3DP) and smart material fabrication. Acknowledging these trends, this study proposes a miniature high-speed actuator whose fabrication process entails 3DP, smart materials, and shape memory alloy. The manufactured actuator is 25 mm long and 5 mm wide in and weighs 2.5 g, having the optimal frequency in the range of 35-40 Hz. Force and deformation measurement were also conducted, resulting in the lift force of 0.18 N per second with a bending deformation of 5 mm.