A Novel 3-D-Printed Accelerometer Using Window-Light Displacement Measurement

Three-dimensional printing technology has enabled the development of low-cost, highly customizable sensors by providing rapid fabrication and flexible design capabilities. This study introduces a rapid design and fabrication workflow for accelerometers, utilizing a one-step 3-D printing process combined with an optical window-light method for displacement detection. The accelerometer is fabricated using polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) filament, with the proof mass and springs printed as part of the process. The optical window-light intensity measurement method is employed to detect micrometer-scale displacements, facilitating the detection of variable acceleration. This approach offers significant benefits, including simple design, elimination of additional metallization or assembly steps, and avoidance of complex integrated measurement circuitry. The proposed 3-D-printed accelerometer demonstrates a resolution of 10 mg and operates over a wide measurement range from −2 to 2 g with linearity and strong dynamic response. This workflow provides an efficient solution for customized microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device production and showcases the potential of the optical window-light method for low-cost accelerometer development.