Introduction to 4D printing post

In this article, we will learn about what is 4D printing, how it works, what materials are used in 4D printing, what types of machines are used for 4D printing,

Before getting started,

as a reminder, Try to read the whole article to gain as much information as you can 

Now let’s begin.

Introduction to 4D printing?

Most of us know about 3D, which means 3 dimensions, everything in this world exists in 3 Dimensions, that is

1 Dimension refers to the Length 

2 Dimensions refer to the Area
3 Dimensions refer to the volume

But do you know what 4th dimension is?

If you’re a science student you may know 4th dimension is time 

Does a question arise? how can we apply 4th dimension in printing?

we know we can apply, length, area, and volume in printing such as 

1) Printing words, sentences drawings on paper using a xerox machine is an example of one dimension

2) Printing drawings and phone cover stickers using a 2D printing machine is an example of two dimension

3) Printing 3D objects as we do by 3D printers is an example of 3 Dimensions

Now, what about 4th dimension? time

So the material which we use for the 4D printing is a smart material, Which can change its share with respect to time

Then you may know the material we use in 3D printing are different plastics, resin, metal powder, etc

4d printing

What is 4D Printing Technology?

4D printing is a technology where we build 3-dimensional objects by adding smart material layer by layer which can further change its shape and size with respect to time depending upon various factors such as temperature, pressure, electrochemical solution, humidity, light, electric field, magnetic field, etc

source: sciencedirect.com

What materials are used for 4D printing?

But when it comes to 4D printing, we use materials such as “shape memory alloys” which have the ability to change their Shape and size depending upon the provided condition or factors with respect to time, That means they change their shape and size after 3D printing under the required factors, Here is where 4th dimension can be observed

For a real-life example, when we put dry beans in water their volume and weight increase gradually with respect to time

Most of us have heard about touch me not plant, THEY RESPONSE TO TOUCH 

List of Materials used for 4D printing:

1. Hydrogels
2. Thermo responsive material
3. photo responsive material
4. Eletro responsive material
5. magneto responsive material
6. piezoelectric material
7. PH- responsive material

source: sciencedirect.com

source: sciencedirect.com

4D printing applications?

4D printing is not only limited to health care industry but these materials can be used in various industries for example 

• 4D printing is used to minimize the size of objects such as safety bags, which under accident conditions expand due to high disturbance
• 4D printing is also used for smart packaging
• If the car seats are made up of 4D printed material, depending upon the pressure inside the car it can change its thickness and change the comfort level automatically
• If the pipes are made up of 4D printing then the water flows through the pipes can adapt their thickness depending upon provided conditions, then if we can control those conditions that mean we can control the pressure and velocity of the water
• Gradually 4D printing technology is used in many industries such as robotics, aerospace, construction, etc

 After all, still, a lot of research is going on 4D printing and materials used for 4D printing and a lot of applications can be found in future 

source : sciencedirect.com

How does 4D printing work?

so, how does 4D-printing work? To understand this, we need to look at the materials used in the process. 4D printing materials are known as “smart materials” or “shape-memory polymers”.

These materials are made up of long chains of molecules that can change their shape or properties in response to changes in temperature, humidity, light, or other environmental factors.

When these smart materials are printed using a 4D printer, they are designed to fold, twist, or stretch into specific shapes or configurations when exposed to the appropriate stimuli. The printer uses special software to create a digital model of the object and then prints it using layers of smart material.

Once the 4D-printed object is complete, it is activated by the environmental stimulus. For example, a 4D-printed flower that is designed to fold up when exposed to heat will do so when placed in a warm environment.

The key to successful 4D-printing is in the design and material selection. The smart materials used in 4D printing must be carefully chosen based on their unique properties and the desired function of the final object. The designer must also consider the specific environmental stimulus that will activate the smart material, and ensure that the design of the object is compatible with the printing process.

When was 4D printing Invented?

4D-printing is a new and exciting technology that is rapidly gaining popularity in the manufacturing industry. It is an advanced form of 3D printing that allows for the creation of objects that can change their shape or function over time, based on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or pressure.

The concept of 4D printing was first introduced by Skylar Tibbits, a research scientist at MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab, in 2013. Tibbits described 4D printing as a process that involves printing materials that are capable of self-assembling and self-transforming over time.

In traditional 3D printing, objects are printed layer by layer using a range of materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics. However, with 4D printing, the materials used are smart materials that can change their shape or properties when exposed to a specific stimulus.

For example, a 4D-printed object could be designed to change its shape when it comes into contact with water, or to stiffen when it is exposed to heat. This level of functionality and adaptability makes 4D-printing an exciting area of research with many potential applications in fields such as architecture, medicine, and aerospace

Despite its recent emergence, 4D-printing is already being used in a variety of applications. For instance, researchers have used 4D printing to create self-assembling and self-folding structures such as a flower that folds up when exposed to heat, or a strand of DNA that twists and forms a specific shape.

In conclusion, the concept of 4D-printing was first introduced in 2013 by Skylar Tibbits, a research scientist at MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab. Since then, the technology has rapidly evolved and is now being used in a range of exciting applications. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of 4D printing, we can expect to see even more innovative and groundbreaking applications emerge in the near future.

How 4D Printing Machines Work:

• To create a 4D-printed object, the designer first creates a digital model of the object using specialized software.
• The 4D printer then prints the object using layers of the smart material.
• Once the 4D-printed object is complete, it is activated by the environmental stimulus, causing it to self-assemble or transform into the desired shape or configuration.

Types of 4D Printing Machines:

There are several different types of 4D printing machines available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular types of 4D printing machines include:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 4D printers: These printers use a process similar to traditional 3D printing, where a thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded to create the object.
• Stereolithography (SLA) 4D printers: These printers use a liquid resin that is cured by a laser to create the object.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 4D printers: These printers use a laser to melt and fuse powdered materials to create the object.
• Inkjet 4D printers: These printers use inkjet technology to deposit layers of smart material onto a substrate to create the object.

Applications of 4D-Printing Machines:

The potential applications of 4D-printing machines are vast and diverse. Some of the most promising applications include:

• Biomedical devices: 4D-printing can be used to create implants and prosthetics that can adapt to the body’s natural movements and environment.
• Aerospace: 4D-printing can be used to create parts that can change shape or function in response to environmental factors such as temperature or pressure.
• Architecture: 4D-printing can be used to create structures that can self-assemble or transform over time, such as walls that can adjust their thickness based on temperature.

Examples of 4D printing are as follows:

self-folding cube made up of 4D printing

self shape regaining 4D-printing video

soft robots smart material work, it is made by using 4D-printing technology

Is 4D-printing essential? why invest time and money in 4D printing? why dangerous

Today we are living in a generation where by using 3D printing technology biomedical/healthcare industries are able to build human organs such as artificial hearts

So it is essential that the artificial organs should behave similarly to the original organs

That’s where 4D-printing plays a major role, (smart material). which is the major difference between 3D printing and 4D printing

4d printing organs

Now try to imagine a world where people are able to build their organs and humans are independent of organs then

gradually it might shift to printing organ systems and in the future you know it can reach printing humans, comment your point of view on this

This is the major reason why 4D-printing is dangerous.

4d printing organs