Lab. of design and functional characterization of prototypes (Lecco)

This laboratory is equipped with software and instrumentation for the design and the characterisation of functional elements, prototypes and devices.
The lab allows the set-up of non-conventional experimental test benches for different applications by the combined use of facilities such as: Labview-controlled virtual machines, AC/DC voltage or current sources, cooling systems, thermostatic baths, a thermostatic/climatic chamber, load cells and linear/rotary displacement transducers.
In addition, a workshop for the machining of mechanical parts as by turning and milling is available for the preparation of holders, supports or components used in the implementation of special experimental set-ups complementing the standard characterisation machines.
Furthermore, software including 2D/3D CAD systems, Comsol Multiphysics, Labview and Matlab, is frequently used for the design, the simulation, the control of the devices and the analysis of signals and bio-signals.
In addition, the lab includes a 3D printer for fabricating components of actuators, sensors and devices in ABS co-polymer.


Fig. 1-6: Examples of experimental set-ups
  • DESIGN SOFTWARES:
    • Rhinoceros
    • Solid works
    • COMSOL Multiphysics
    • Cad 2D
    • Matlab-Simulink
  • EQUIPMENT:
    • potentiometric, laser and wired displacement transducers (ranging from 1mm to hundreds of millimeters)
    • National Instruments modules for signal acquisition and control with Labview software
    • Sunrise ACS Thermostatic/Climatic chamber and thermostatic baths (Lauda Ecoline RE306 and Lauda RC20)
    • AC/DC power sources
    • Eurotherm devices for data logging
    • Dimension Elite – Stratasys 3D ABS+ printer (layer of 0,178 mm or 0,254 mm and maximum dimension of 203 x 203 x 305 mm
    • Standard equipment for electrical/electronic circuit design and ISOTECH IDS-6072A-U oscilloscope
  • PUBLICATIONS:
    • A. Nespoli, D. Rigamonti, E. Villa, F. Passaretti
      Design, characterization and perspectives of shape memory alloy elements in miniature sensor proof of concept
      Sensors and Actuators A 218 (2014) 142–153
    • A. Nespoli, V. Dallolio, F. Stortiero, S. Besseghini, F. Passaretti, E. Villa
      Design and thermo-mechanical analysis of a new NiTi shape memory alloy fixing clip
      Materials Science and Engineering C, 37 (2014) 171–176
    • S. Viscuso, L. Garavaglia, S Pittaccio
      Digital image-based method for quality control of residual bending deformation in slender pseudoelastic NiTi devices
      Advances in Science and Technology, 78: 75-80, Proceedings of CIMTEC 2012, Montecatini
    • S. Viscuso, S. Pittaccio
      Design and implementation of a portable amagnetic shape memory rotary actuator
      2012, Journal of Intelligent Materials Systems and Structures, 24:454-72
    • S Pittaccio, S Viscuso, S Besseghini
      Rotational Actuator, Brevetto internazionale WO/2011/141183
    • A. Nespoli, E. Bassani, E. Villa, F. Passaretti
      Progettazione di micro-dispositivi smart e realizzazione di alcuni prototipi mediante tecnologia 3D print
      NUM. 2013/001 - PROT. 16693 DEL 05/06/2013
    • E. Borlandelli, D. Scarselli, A. Nespoli, D. Rigamonti, P. Bettini, M. Morandini, E. Villa, G. Sala, M. Quadrio
      Design and experimental characterization of a NiTi-based, high-frequency, centripetal peristaltic actuator
      Smart Materials and Structures (2015) 10.1088/0964-1726/24/3/035008
  • MAIN COLLABORATIONS:
    • Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Aerospaziali
    • INAF-OAB (Merate)
Dimension Elite 3D printer
ACS Sunrise Climatic chamber
Lauda thermostatic baths
2D and 3D CAD design
Virtual design and fabrication of prototypes