Studying the impact of 4D printing on various industries

4D printing – also known as a shape change system, is a concept where a fourth dimension in the form of time is added to traditional 3D printing – creating shapes in the XYZ axes. 4D printing uses materials that react to external factors, such as heat, light, humidity, electric current or pressure, thanks to which printed objects can undergo shape changes or acquire new properties. Examples include smart textiles that adjust their permeability depending on humidity, or sewerage systems that expand or contract based on changes in temperature.

Although 4D printing is still in its infancy, the huge impact it could have on various sectors of industry and services can already be foreseen. On Hubs – a platform that provides production services using e.g. traditional additive technologies, there is a study presenting the potential possibilities of using 4D printing. Here are some examples that in the real time perspective can revolutionize selected industries:

1. Medicine: 4D printing can significantly influence the production of implants, which can adapt to the patient’s body thanks to their ability to change shape; doctors could print dental implants that expand and contract to fit the patient’s jawbone perfectly.
2. Aerospace: Components that change shape under certain physical conditions can enable aircraft to adapt to different flight conditions, reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency; in turn, 4D printing of drone wings, which can bend up to 20° in response to external stimuli, can significantly improve flight efficiency.
3. Fashion: changing the shape of the application will allow designers to create clothing and accessories that adapt to both environmental factors and user preferences; several leading clothing brands, such as Adidas, are currently exploring the possibility of creating 4D printed shoes.
4. Furniture: 4D printing creates the possibility of creating self-assembling furniture. Instead of spending hours reading instructions and fiddling with tools, consumers can watch their new piece of furniture take shape by itself.
5. Packaging: thanks to 4D printing technology, it is possible to create packaging capable of protecting the contents from external elements, such as rain, extreme cold or heat, which changes its shape depending on the temperature or humidity outside.

Research into shape-shifting systems is being conducted by the MIT Self-Assembly Lab in collaboration with Stratasys and Autodesk. In recent years, many breakthroughs have been made in the creation of self-assembling and shape-changing materials, with a wide range of possible applications. However, this is just the beginning of the road … As the technology matures, even more opportunities will open up. As pointed out by Alexandru Tilita – President & CEO at 3DK Tech, the biggest challenge for shape-morphing systems based on 4D printing will be their adoption by end industries. “Implementation on a larger scale can only take place when key players in the market begin to use this technology widely. I expect the real impact of 4D printing on the industry will only happen in the next 10-15 years.”

Source: www.hubs.com
Photos: press materials