Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
The aim of the project was to commission an extrusion line specially designed to convert thermoplastic polyurethanes with shape memory properties from the melt into filaments. The filaments were then processed into a series of functional demonstrators using the additive manufacturing technique of fused filament fabrication. Quick response (QR) codes were converted into a machine-unreadable state through thermomechanical treatment. Heating above the switching temperature of the polymer then led to shape recovery and thus to the restoration of machine readability. This makes the technology attractive for applications such as product protection and the monitoring of deep-freeze chains. In another example, programmable pieces of jewelry were developed and their shape memory properties investigated.
SMP Tagnologies: The image shows a machine-readable quick response (QR) code produced via fused filament fabrication (FFF) and its counterpart after programming, characterized by an unreadable code. The latter can be switched back to the machine-readable shape by heating. The technology can be used to monitor cold chains and as proof of authenticity in anti-counterfeiting applications.
