Scientists Have Created The First 3-Way Zipper. Why? Good Question, So We Asked Them

Summary: Over 40 years ago, an engineer named William Freeman had a wild idea: a three-sided zipper. Back then, his idea was rejected. Today, scientists at MIT have finally brought it to life using 3D printers!

This special "Y-zipper" can connect pieces that change from soft and flexible to super strong and rigid. Imagine a camping tent that stands up without poles just by zipping it, or a medical cast that you can zip up to make rigid at night to protect a broken arm. By using different plastics, the team made zippers that can bend, twist, and survive being zipped 18,000 times. It's a huge step forward for outdoor gear, robots, and even medicine!

Source: rssapp-iflscience-com URL: iflscience.com/meet-the-3-sided-y-zipper-a-revolution-for-technical-gears-robots-and-even-art-40-years-in-the-making-83495 (opens in new tab)