Templated Self‐Assembly: Formation of Folded Structures by Relaxation of Pre‐stressed, Planar Tapes

A strategy for the formation of three‐dimensional (3D) structures based on the spontaneous folding of elastomeric tapes is described. These tapes are fabricated in crimped, quasi‐3D forms, and carry metal features supporting liquid solder. Self‐assembly based on capillary interactions between drops of liquid solder results in folding of the tapes into structures that have quasi‐ and true 3D topology (see Figure).