Researchers are finding new uses for 3D printing in their work every day, and they often say their latest innovations would be difficult, if not impossible, without the accuracy and design flexibility they can achieve with 3DP. A team at the University of Washington has built mechanochromic objects they say allow them to simply assess the amount of force applied to them visually as they change color. The devices use four squares of 'spiropyran' polymer which change color according to the level of force they face as they're stretched. You can read more about the story here: http://3dprint.com/33124/3d-printed-force-sensors/


Below is a picture of one of these 3d printed force sensors: