ADMiRE Research Center - Carinthia University of Applied Sciences: Characterization of 3D-printed multi-material elastomers
Case Study
- Customer: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Location: Villach, Austria
- Industry: Research Institute & Academia
- Topic: Characterization of the interfacial adhesion of additive manufactured elastomers multi-material specimens
November 2025
The ADMiRE Research Center at the University of Applied Sciences in Carinthia uses the T-peel test with the zwickiLine 1 kN to precisely characterize 3D-printed multi-material elastomers. The goal is to analyze the adhesion between soft materials – a crucial foundation for innovative applications in medical engineering, soft robotics and wearables.
The ADMiRE Research Center (University of Applied Sciences in Carinthia gGmbH)
The ADMiRE Research Center is a research center of the University of Applied Sciences of Carinthia, located in Villach. It specializes in additive manufacturing (3D printing), intelligent robotics and embedded sensor systems. The research focuses on materials, design, processes and applications, with sustainability playing a central role.
A particular focus is on additive manufacturing based on material extrusion using polymer filaments and granules. The ADMiRE Research Center aims to advance additive manufacturing technologies in line with the European Green Deal and make them accessible to a broad user base. The center collaborates closely with regional, Austrian and European industrial partners to put research results into practice.
Current projects include the development of intelligent prosthetic and orthotic systems with applications for exoskeletons, smart insoles, the integration of robotics and 3D printing, multi-material and multi-axis printing processes, and the use of bio-based, biodegradable and recycled polymer materials. The integration of additive manufacturing into teaching and product development is also part of the portfolio.
The task
Characterization of interfacial adhesion for improved functional durability and extended fatigue life
The ADMiRE Research Center faced the challenge of accurately assessing the adhesion between individual material layers in flexible, multi-layered structures. These structures are created using advanced additive manufacturing processes and must withstand continuous mechanical stress under real-world conditions. The reason: A accurate analysis of interfacial adhesion is crucial to ensuring the functional reliability and fatigue life of components, and to drive material and process development in a targeted manner.
The ZwickRoell solution
T-peel test for testing the adhesion between multi-material layers
To reliably assess the adhesive strength between additively manufactured elastomers of varying hardness, the ADMiRE Research Center utilizes the T-peel test to ISO 11339:2022. This is a standardized test method for determining interfacial adhesion in multilayer structures. The test specimen consists of two interconnected elastomers, manufactured using 3D printing with an overlapping interface.
During the test, the two bonded layers are pulled apart at a 180° angle under controlled conditions. The zwickiLine testing machine measures the force required to continue separating the materials along the bonding surface. This makes it easy to precisely determine the average peel strength and the type of failure. This method provides reliable data on the quality of the material bond and serves as the foundation for the continued development of durable components made from multiple materials in the field of additive manufacturing.
“Using the zwickiLine 1 kN allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the adhesion behavior between soft materials, which is an essential foundation for developing the next generation of medical devices, wearable systems and soft robotics.”
Deniz Varsavas, Research Assistant, ADMiRE Research Center
The result
Accurate results for selecting suitable material combinations
Using the zwickiLine testing machine, the ADMiRE Research Center achieves highly precise test results when evaluating interfacial adhesion in structures consisting of multiple materials. The system’s precise control and high adaptability enable reliable analysis of peel strength and failure behavior.
This data provides a solid foundation for selecting suitable material combinations in additive manufacturing. At the same time, they support the development of sustainable and high-performance solutions in polymer technology. Testing technology significantly contributes to optimizing design and manufacturing processes.
