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Is there a material that changes color under pressure?
2

Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

(OP)
We are working on a concept which involves determining visually if a material is properly stressed. A color change would indicate proper tension. Does such a materioal exist? That is, is there a materail plastic or composite material that changes color when compressed?

RE: Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

I think that I can make a plastic that changes transparency with pressure but you need a lot of pressure to make it change. I have already made an analogous material that changes transparency with temperature and it should be possible to make a version that changes with pressure. You can read more here:

https://www.inventables.com/technologies/smart-opacity-changing-plastics

Chris DeArmitt

www.phantomplastics.com
Consulting to the plastics industry

RE: Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

You may think on Pressure Sensitive Films. These change color under pressure.

Pressurex is a nice one: http://www.pressurex.com/home.php
 

RE: Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

(OP)
Thank you for your quick and helpful responses.

Pressure sensitive paints and films might work as long as they do not change the operating characteristics of the substrate.  

Are there brands/sources of pressure sensitive paints and films you would recommend?

RE: Is there a material that changes color under pressure?

I have used these Pressurex films to track mold sealing and composite layup. It worked quite nicely on these applications.

Have never tried to embed it into the part, I'm courious to know how it performs (would be nice to see a picture of it!). Dont think mechanical properties will be affected, but certainly surface properties.

 

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