RALEIGH, N.C., March 24, 2017 — A new technique has been developed that uses infrared light to curve 2D plastic sheets into 3D structures such as spheres, tubes, or bowls. Researchers at North Carolina State University are building on previous research that focused on self-folding 3D structures. Light triggers plastics to fold into curved shapes. Courtesy of Amber Hubbard / North Carolina State University. In a 2011 paper, NC State researchers Michael Dickey and Jan Genzer outlined a technique in which a conventional inkjet printer was used to print bold black lines onto a pre-strained plastic sheet. The...Read full articleRelated content from Photonics MediaARTICLESLiquid Metal Enables Switchable MirrorsResearchers have demonstrated the ability to switch the surface of liquid metal between reflective and scattering states. 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