4D printing is an advanced technology that extends the capabilities of traditional 3D printing by enabling printed objects to change their shape or behaviour in response to external stimuli. Such stimuli can include time, heat, moisture and sound, allowing the objects to function as smart materials. 4D printing was introduced in 2013, and its origins trace back to Sklyar Tibbits from MIT鈥檚 Self-Assembly Lab.
Its transformation capability is what differentiates 4D printing from standard 3D printing, which produces static objects that do not change after being printed. For example, a flat-printed object may fold itself into a 3D shape when exposed to water, or a medical implant could expand within the human body at body temperature, eliminating the need for invasive procedures.
Which industries will benefit from 4D printing?
The potential applications for 4D printing are vast and varied. Industries such as construction, wearable tech and autonomous vehicles are all exploring the technology鈥檚 possibilities.
In construction, buildings could be designed to adapt to weather conditions, enhancing durability and energy efficiency. 4D-printed concrete could automatically shift the building鈥檚 position depending on the prevailing or expected weather conditions, or help avoid areas prone to future earthquakes.
In healthcare, prosthetic limbs could incorporate sensitivity, adjusting to the user’s movements and environmental factors, thus improving functionality and comfort. In China, a group of researchers has already created smart scaffolds for bone regeneration. They have used 4D scaffolds that can change shape in response to external stimuli.
4D printing can revolutionise supply chains by allowing for self-assembling products, such as furniture that can change its form with the addition of water or light.
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By GlobalDataWhat will happen in the future?
The next decade will likely see聽4D printing becoming a commercial tool in many sectors, particularly as technology advances and costs decrease. The major developments expected to occur in the future involve self-healing materials in electronics and infrastructure, autonomous robotics, smart infrastructure and sustainable materials. In brief, 4D technology enables objects to adapt. It adds intelligence to the built environment, reduces material waste and enhances product lifespans. While currently still in its early stages, its potential to redefine design, manufacturing and human interaction with objects could open doors to commercial adoption in countless industries.
