#  Step 4: Connect Active Areas to Leads 

 



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The last step involves connecting the active areas to the copper tape attached in the previous step.



 

- Using the remaining carbon grease, draw a line of carbon grease from one active area to a strip of copper tape.
- Connect the active area to the strip which is connected to **the same side of the membrane**.
- The carbon grease does not need to fully cover the copper tape, but a generous contact area will guarantee good conductivity.



 

- Flip the actuator over and paint a line from the active area to the copper strip attached on this side.

### Bibliography

Keplinger et al. (2012) [Harnessing snap-through instability in soft dielectrics to achieve giant voltage-triggered deformation.](/publications/harnessing-snap-through-instability-soft-dielectrics-achieve-giant-voltage)

Keplinger et al. (2013) [Stretchable, transparent, ionic conductors.](/publications/stretchable-transparent-ionic-conductors)

Koh et al. (2009) [Maximal energy that can be converted by a dielectric elastomer generator.](/publications/maximal-energy-can-be-converted-dielectric-elastomer-generator)

Wissler and Mazza (2007) [Mechanical behavior of an acrylic elastomer used in dielectric elastomer actuators.](/publications/mechanical-behavior-acrylic-elastomer-used-dielectric-elastomer-actuators)

Pelrine et al. (2001) [Dielectric elastomers: generator mode fundamentals and applications.](/publications/dielectric-elastomers-generator-mode-fundamental-and-applications)

Pelrine et al. (2000) [High-Speed Electrically Actuated Elastomers with Strain Greater Than 100%.](https://softroboticstoolkit.com/sorotoolkit/publications/high-speed-electrically-actuated-elastomers-strain-greater-100)

Röntgen WC. (1880) [Ueber die durch Electricität bewirkten Form—und Volumenänderungen von dielectrischen Körpern.](/publications/ueber-die-durch-electricitat-bewirkten-form%E2%80%94und-volumenanderungen-von)

Suo, Zhigang (2010) [Theory of dielectric elastomers.](/publications/theory-dielectric-elastomers)

### Contributors

Philipp Rothemund