4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

SEMINAR REPORT
Submitted by
MUHAMMED V V
REG NO: 2101020245
To

The department of technical education, Government of Kerala in partial

fulfilment of the requirements for the award
Of

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MA'DIN POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
MELMURI – PO, MALAPPURAM

OCTOBER – 2023
 DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MA'DIN POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
MELMURI. PO, MALAPPAURAM

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this seminar entitled 4D PRINTING
TECHNOLOGY submitted by MUHAMMED.VV (REG NO:
2101020245) to the Department of technical education government of kerala in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for theaward of the Diploma in Mechanical
engineering is a bonafide record of work carried out by him under my supervision and
guidance

GUIDE:
Mr. VIPIN VP. Mr. JITHESH NP.

Lecturer in Mechanical Engg. Head of Department

Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Dept. of mechanical Engg.

Ma’din polytechnic college. Ma’din polytechnic college

Internal examiner (Dept. Seal) External examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In express my sincerer thanks to god whose divine intervention was instrumental

for successful completion of this seminar. I would like to express my sincere thanks
to our principal Mr. ABDUL HAMEED CP for forwarding me to do my seminar and
offering adequate duration for completing of my seminar.

I here by place in record my sincere gratitude to Mr. JITHESH NP (head of

mechanical engineering department ) for the support throughout the work. I am also
thank full to my guide Mr.VIPIN VP and Mr. MUHAMMED RIJAS.P (Lecturers
Deprt of mechanical engg) . I would like to express my gratitude towards our parents
and class mates for their co-operation and encouragement which help me in the
completion of this seminar.
 ABSTRACT

4D printing refers to single-material or multi-material printing of a device or object that can be

transformed from a 1D strand into pre-programed 3D shape, from a 2D surface into preprogramed
3D shape and is capable of morphing between different dimensions. Such transformations are
facilitated by, e.g., heating, light, or swelling in a liquid, electrochemically and by programming
different sensitivity to, e.g., swelling into various parts of the designed geometry. These techniques
offer adaptability and dynamic response for structures and systems of all sizes, and promises new
possibilities for embedding programmability and simple decision making into non-electronic based
materials. Potential applications include; robotics-like behavior without the reliance on complex
electro-mechanical-chemical devices as well as adaptive products, garments or mechanisms that
respond to user-demands and fluctuating environments. In this paper, we have discussed
fundamentals and laws governing 4D printing, materials that are employed in 4D printing along with
applications such as soft robotics and challenges that need to be overcome for 4D printing to evolve
as a mainstream manufacturing technology.
 LIST OF CONTENT

SI TITLE PAGE
NO
NO
1 ABSTRACT
2 CONTENT
3 INTRODUCTION 1
4 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 2
5 APPLICATION AREA AND PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 16
6 ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 15
7 CONCLUSION 22
8 REFERENCES 23
 LIST OF FIGURES

SI NO TITLE PAGE NO
1 SCHEMATIC OF 1-, 2-, 3-, AND 4D CONCEPT 2
2 GENERIC PROCESS OF CAD 4
3 NATURAL PEIZOELECTRIC MATERIAL 8
4 SELF CUBIC FOLDING MECHANISM 10
5 SELF FOLDING STAND 11
6 SELF FOLDING TRUNCATED OCTAHEDRON 12
7 CURVED CREASE ORIGAMI 12
8 SCHEMATIC OF THE FOLDING MECHANISM 13
9 FOLDING PROCESS OF CUBES PRINTED WITH 13
A COMPOSITE MATERIAL
10 COMPUTATIONAL IMAGE BASED DESIGN OF 16
3D PRINTED TRACHEOBRONCHIAL SPLINTS
11 DESIGN MODEL OF MORPHING AIRCRAFT 17
12 CAMOUFLAGE MILITARY VEHICLE 18
13 BMW NEXT 100 4D PRINTED CAR 18
14 DE FORMATIVE SHOES AND FOLDING CLOTHS 19
15 MARKET ANALYSIS 21
 LIST OF TABLE

SI NO TITLE PAGE NO
1 LIST OF SMART MATERIALS 7
2 ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING 20
 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION

Technology has always been amazing us with its beautiful inventions in the nature by
making the life of human simpler to a greater extent. Additive manufacturing, more popularly known
as 3Dimensional (3D) printing technology, has been developed for more than 30 years. Recently, 3D
printing has been recognized as a disruptive technology for future advanced manufacturing systems.
With a great potential to change everything from our daily lives to the global economy, significant
advances in 3D printing technology have been made with respect to materials, printers, and processes
Now an innovative concept of printing technology known as 4D printing technology has been
developed. Although similar to 3D printing, 4D printing technology involves the fourth dimension of
time in addition to the 3D space coordinates. Therefore, one can regard 4D printing as giving the
printed structure the ability to change its form or function with time (t) under stimuli such as pressure,
temperature, wind, water, or light.

1.1 BACKGROUND

The term 4D printing is developed in a collaboration between MIT's Self-Assembly Lab and
Stratasys education and R&D department. In February 2013, Skylab Tibbits, co-director and founder
of the Self-Assembly Lab located at MIT's International Design Center unveiled the technology "4D
printing" during a talk at TED conference held in Long Beach, California. It’s Self-Assembly Lab.
3D printing manufacturer Stratus’s and 3D software company Autodesk are the key players in the
development of 4D printing technology.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

Though the knowledge about this technology has not yet reached to common people in the
world still there is a lot of research going on in different labs at universities and research centers, each
one getting different results which demonstrate that this technology could be brought into reality very
soon. Currently 4D-printing requires complex and time-consuming post-processing steps to
mechanically program each component. Also, most commercial printers can only print 4D using a
single material, which greatly limits design choices. But a research team led by Jerry Qi, a mechanical
engineering professor at Georgia Institute of Technology. along with scientists at the Singapore
University of Technology and Design, have developed a powerful new 4D printer that can create
selfassembling 4D-structures much more quickly and efficiently.

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 CHAPTER-2
4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

2.1 WHAT IS 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

4-dimensional printing (4D printing: also known as 4D bio printing, active origami, or
shapemorphing systems) uses the same techniques of 3D printing through computer- programmed
deposition of material in successive layers to create a three-dimensional object. However, 4D printing
adds the dimension of transformation over time. It is therefore a type of programmable matter,
wherein after the fabrication process. the printed product reacts with parameters within the
environment (humidity. temperature, etc.,) and changes its form accordingly. light. Figure 1 depicts
a schematic of the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4D concepts. The concepts of 1-, 2-, and 3D represent line, plane,
and 3D space structures, respectively. For 4D, the concept of changes in the 3Dstructure (x, y, z) with
respect to time (1) is added, as indicated by curved arrows...

(Fig 1) Schematic of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4D concepts. A 4D structure is a structure (x, y, z) made by
3Dchanges over time (1). Arrows indicate the direction of change with respect to time.

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2.2 PROCESS FOR 4D PRITNING

4d printing similar to current additive manufacturing process (3D printing).The main

difference is the programmable materials or smart materials which are used for making the product.
The 4D printing relies predominantly on four factors

• The basic additive manufacturing process.

• Types of stimulus-responsive material, and interaction mechanisms.
• Smart design.

2.3 GENERIC ADDITIVE M MANUFACTURING PROCESS

AM involves a number of steps that move from the virtual CAD description to the physical
resultant part. Different products will involve AM in different ways and to different degrees. Small,
relatively simple products may only make use of AM for visualization models, while larger, more
complex products with greater engineering content may involve AM during numerous stages and
iterations throughout the development process. Furthermore, early stages of the product development
process may only require rough parts, with AM being used because of the speed at which they can be
fabricated. At later stages of the process, parts may require careful cleaning and post processing
(including sanding, surface preparation and painting) before they are used, with AM being useful here
because of the complexity of form that can be created without having to consider tooling. The use of
AM processes enables freeform objects to be produced directly from digital information without the
need for intermediate shaping tools. Most AM processes can support 4D printing as long as the
selected stimulus-responsive material is supported by or compatible with the printer. steps involved
in process

• CAD
• STL convert
• File transfer to machine
• Machine setup
• Build
• Remove
• Post process

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 (Fig 2)Generic process of CAD to part, showing all 7 stages

Step 1: CAD

All AM parts must start from a software model that fully describes the external geometry.
This can involve the use of almost any professional CAD solid modelling software, but the output
must be a 3D solid or surface representation. Reverse engineering equipment (e.g.. laser scanning)
can also be used to create this representation.

Step 2: Conversion to STL

Nearly every AM machine accepts the STL file format, which has become a defect standard,
and nearly every CAD system can output such a file format. This file describes the external closed
surfaces of the original CAD model and forms the basis for calculation of the slices.

Step 3: Transfer to AM Machine and STL File Manipulation

The STL file describing the part must be transferred to the AM machine. Here, there may be
some general manipulation of the file so that it is the correct size, position, and orientation for
building.

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Step 4: Machine Setup

The AM machine must be properly set up prior to the build process. Such settings would relate
to the build parameters like the material constraints, energy source, layer thickness, timings, etc.

Step 5: Building

Building the part is mainly an automated process and the machines can largely carryon
without supervision. Only superficial monitoring of the machine needs to take place at this time to
ensure no errors have taken place like running out of material, power or software glitches, etc.

Step 6: Removal

Once the AM machine has completed the build, the parts must be removed. This may require
interaction with the machine, which may have safety interlocks ensure for example that the operating
temperatures are sufficiently low or that there are no actively moving parts.

Step 7: Post processing

Once removed from the machine, parts may require an amount of additional cleaning up before
they are ready for use. Parts may be weak at this stage or they may have supporting features that must
be removed. This therefore often requires time and careful, experienced manual manipulation.

2.4 SMART MATERIALS

Stimulus-responsive material, often known as smart materials or programmable materials, is

highly dynamic in form and functions. The type of stimuli-responsive materials is the key element to
grant the capability of self transformation and determines the type of stimuli needed to trigger the
change in property and the functionality of the component in 4D printing. The properties of stimuli
responsive materials permit the phenomena of coupling or conversion of energy between various
physical domains; for example, converting thermal energy into mechanical work. This coupling of
energy can be direct or indirect. Direct energy coupling refers to mechanical response due to field
induced eigen strain in the stimulus-responsive materials, whereas indirect is mechanical response
due to field-induced. Change in stiffness or other properties. The types of stimulus-responsive
materials capable of change in physical properties can be classified into shape-change material and
shape memory material. Shape-change material possessed stimulus-induced behaviour known as
shape-change effect (SCE). Shape-change material transforms instantly and spontaneously in
response to its stimulus, and returns to its original or permanent shape when the stimulus is removed.
Shape memory polymers have the ability to memorize and recover to their trained shape from a
temporary shape when stimulus is applied, known as shape memory effect (SME)
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2.5 SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT

The main characteristic of shape memory materials (SMMS) is the ability to recover to their
programmed shape from a temporary shape when stimulus is applied. This is known as the shape
memory effect (SME). SMMs require two processes to form a complete shape memory cycle. The
first step is to deform the material into a temporary shape through the "programming process" (Fig.
4), followed by the "shape recovery process". SMMs will remain constant in its temporary shape until
the right optimum stimulus is applied to trigger the shape recovery process. The rapidity of shape
change from a temporary shape depends on the responsiveness of the material and the physical design
of the geometrical part. The network elasticity of the SMM determines the "memory" of one or more
shapes. The two significant factors that determine the shape memory effect of SMMS are the strain
recovery rate (Rr) and the strain fixity rate (RF). The strain recovery rate (Rr) refers to the ability of
the material to memorize its permanent shape, whereas the strain fixity rate (RF) refers to the ability
of the switching segments within the mechanical deformation. Both Rr and Rf have to add up to 100%
to be measured as an effective SMP. The calculation for strain recovery and fixity rate is made up of
Rr 100% (-rec)/ɛ and R-100% E/E load; whereby == fixed strain after cooling and unloading; grace=
strain after recovery; and load-maximum strain under load.

One-way shape memory effect:

The majority of SMPs have a one-way shape memory effect which is irreversible. When an
external stimulus is applied, the deformation (temporary) shape will become a permanent shape. A
programming step (Fig. 2) is needed for the object to return back to its temporary shape. Figure 2
describes the process of the one-way shape memory effect where the SMP changes from its temporary
shape (A) back to the permanent original shape (B) under an applied stimulus. In the programming
process, the SMP is first heated above transition temperature to soften the material, so that a
deformation force (e.g., loading) can be applied to the original shape. The preformed shape is cooled
under the load to a fixed temporary shape. When the unloaded fixed temporary shape is exposed to
stimuli, in this case is heat, the original shape (B) is recovered (Fig. 3)

Two-way shape memory effect

SMP with two-way shape memory effect has the ability to remember two different shapes
when exposed to stimuli. The material can change from a temporary shape back to its permanent
shape zhou emphasized that this behaviour is neither mechanically nor structurally constrained
thereby allowing for multiple switching between encoded shapes without applying any external force.
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The two-way SME can be found in liquid crystalline elastomers and photo-actuated deformation
polymers. Chen et al. successfully demonstrated the two-way shape memory behaviour using a
polymer laminate prepared from a 1.0 mm-thick active layer of PHAG5000 polyurethane-based shape
memory with a 1.0 mm-thick substrate of PBAG600-based polyurethane. The effect was observed by
bending upon heating from 25 to 60 °C and reverse bending upon cooling from 60 LIST OF
SMART MATERIALS

MATERIALS INPUT OUTPUT APPLICATION

STIMULATION RESPONSE

Polymeric gal pH change Swelling or Artificial muscle

contracting

Electro- Theological Electric signal Viscosity change Torsional steering

fluid system damper

Pyroelectric material Temperature Electric signal Personnel sensor

(open super market
door)

Polymer (eg thin film Humidity change Capacity/resistance Humidity sensors

cellulose), ceramic change

Self-Healing Force Force Smart phone chassis

Materials
Smart metal alloys Temperature Shape Motor actuators
Dielectric Elastomers Voltage Strain Robotics
(Tab 1) smart materials

2.7 PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS

Those materials capable of generating electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress
are piezoelectric materials. Not all the smart materials do exhibit a shape change but they do carry
significant properties such as electro and magneto theological fluids. Those fluids can change
viscosity upon application of external magnetic or electric field. Naturally occurring crystals like
quartz and sucrose, human bone, ceramics, Polyvinyl Dene fluoride (PVDF) are known to have
piezoelectric characteristics. Followed by the automotive industry and medical instruments, global
demands for these materials have huge application in industrial and manufacturing sector.
Researchers from University of Warwick in UK have developed new microstereolithography (MSL)

7
3D printing technology that can be used to create piezo ceramic object. Piezo ceramics are special
type of ceramic materials that can create electrical response and responds to external electrical
stimulation by changing shape. These are very useful materials and applicable all around, sensor in
airbag systems, fuel injectors in engines, electric cigarette lighter and electronic equipment

(Fig 3)Natural piezoelectric materials

2.8 SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER

Shape memory alloy or polymers are emerging smart materials that have dual shape
capability. Shape memory alloys go transformation under predefined shape from one to another when
exposed to appropriate stimulus. Initially founded on thermal induced dual shape research, this
concept has been extended to other activating process such as direct thermal actuation or indirect
actuation. The applications can be found in various areas of 41 our everyday life. Heat shrinkable
tubes, intelligent medical parts, self-deployable part in spacecraft are few used area with potential in
broad other applications. The process in shape memory polymer is not intrinsic, it requires
combination of a polymer and programmed afterwards. The structure of polymer is deformed and put
it into temporary shape. Whenever required, the polymer gains its final shape when external energy
is applied. Most of the shape memory polymers required heat as activating agent. The material used
in tube is poly di methacrylate polymer. Initially the shape was programmed to form flat helix, using
heat energy ranging from 10 degree to 50 degree centigrade, flat helix transformed into tube shape
structure.

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2.9 MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MATERIALS

Similar to piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials magnetostrictive materials uses

magnetic energy. They convert magnetic energy into mechanical energy or other way. Iron, terbium,
Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) and dysprosium (D) are most common magnetostrictive
materials. Those materials can be used as transducers and actuators where magnetic energy is used to
cause shape change. The application include telephone 42 receivers, oscillators, sonar scanning.
Hearing head, damping systems and positioning equipment. The development of magnetostrictive
material alloys with better features will certainly help the 4D printing technology.

2.10 TRIGGER OR INTERACTION MECHANISMS

A major challenge for 4D printing technology is design structure including both hardware
section and software section. In order to design hardware part, special measures needs to be
addressed. Since, this requires complex and advanced material programming, precise multi- material
printing, designing complex joints for folding, expansion, contraction, curling, twisting process.
Software section is even challenging that cooperates with hardware design. Sophisticated simulation,
material optimization and topology transformation are few of the challenges for software part.
Following explanation demonstrates structural transformation regarding its joint angle, folding,
curling and bending.

2.11 FABRICATION

As the printer deposits UV curable polymer and cures layer by layer using UV light thereby
creating complete 3D structure, printers are capable of printing multiple composite materials with
various properties such as colour pattern, material hardness and transparency allowing creation of
complex, multiple composite parts in single process. Digital materials can be printed with this
process. The properties can be digitally adjusted and altered with the digital material. The
combination of digital material with different proportion and spatial arrangements plays significant
role providing additional flexibility. 4D printed parts are generally composed of rigid plastic and
digital material that reacts upon external energy source. In case of hydrophilic UV curable polymer,
when exposed to water, the structure absorbs and creates hydrogel with up to 150 percentage of
original volume. The shape transformation of the structure is linear in this case, but when the polymer
structure is combined with different composite material that reacts differently with water, complex
9
geometric transformation occurs. Transformation can be controlled by adjusting pure expandable
polymer with digital composite material as per requirement.

(Fig 4) Self cubic folding mechanism

2.12 JOINT AND FOLDING ANGLE STRANDS

For any bending or folding structure, joint plays important role as controlling of joints adjusts
the desired shape of structure. Self-Folding Strand Printing 4D joint includes multiple layers of
material. Composition of rigid polymer, expanding material and digital material depicts the folding
direction and pattern. Those materials are placed above or below of each other depending upon the
type of transformation. If the expanding composite is placed above rigid polymer, the surface will
fold downwards and if placed below, the surface will fold upwards. This folding happens due to
downward or upward force applied to rigid material. With the digital polymer composite, the control
of folding the joints becomes much desirable. The time duration of folding depends upon the
expandable material or digital material. If higher expanding composite is used, there will be more
folding force increasing folding time. Similarly, less expanding composite will generate less folding
force thereby decreasing folding time..

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 (Fig 5) Self-Folding Strand

2.13 CUSTOM ANGLE SURFACE

In his research, Skyler Tibbets demonstrated custom angle transformation creating truncated
octahedron shape. Similar mechanism as folding strand described previously. Series of flat two
dimensional structures were generated with edge joints. The position and spacing of materials at each
joint specifies the desired fold angle hence positioned accordingly… After the digital model was sent
to be printed, physical model was immersed in water. The transformation process occurred within
certain time with the final desired model having edges aligned perfectly aligned with neighbouring
edges. With this technique, a two dimensional polyhedral shape was folded and self-transformed into
precise three dimensional structure. Self- Folding Truncated Octahedron. The advantage of this
process includes efficiencies of printing flat shape with quick printing time and minimal resources
used. If the final model were to be printed directly, it would have taken longer time consuming more
support materials. On the long run, this technology can be effective for logistics operation where flat
surface material can be created, shipped and self-transformed into three dimensional structure when
required

(Fig 6)Self-Folding Truncated Octahedron (Self-Assembly Lab, 2016)

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2.14 CURVED SURFACE FOLDING

Curved surface folding mechanism is based upon a technique called curved-crease origami,
where two dimensional flat sheets are folded along curved creases forming double curved surface
with mountain and valley shaped linear pattern. (Figuring, 2016) This mechanism can be further
explained with the example of concentric circles made of expanding polymers separated by rigid or
less expanding polymer. The position of expanding polymer above or below rigid polymer in each
circle with the ring being neutral, creates mountain and valley folds. When the design print is placed
in water, after certain time period, the structure transforms itself from two dimensional crease to
doubly curved structure.

(Fig 7) Curved-Crease Origami

2.15 SMART DESIGN

In addition to smart materials, one of the core techniques for 4D printing is the design of
materials for structural change. Although the smart material itself plays a pivotal role in transforming
a printed object into another shape or configuration, sophisticated design based on a rigorous
understanding of mechanisms, predicted behaviours, and required parameters should be performed
to achieve controllable results. By designing the orientation and location of smart materials such as
shape memory polymer fibres within composite materials, we can facilitate morphological changes
in response to external stimuli. For example, Ge et al, investigated the design variables that are
important for creating a laminated architecture. A two-layer laminate consisting of one lamina layer
with fibres at a prescribed orientation and one layer of pure matrix material was constructed (Figure
10a). When the samples were heated, the printed two-layer laminates transformed into bent, coiled,
and twisted strips: folded shapes; and complex contoured shapes with non uniform and spatially
varying curvatures depending on each sample's prescribed fibber architecture (Figure 10b)

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(Fig 8). (a) Schematic of the folding mechanism and (b) representative images for folding by heat.

They also fabricated a self-folding and self-opening box with two-layer printed active composites as
hinges connecting six inactive plates of a stiff plastic as shown in Figure 7a. Using this model, Ge et
al. could actuate the hinges created from composites with polymer fibbers. Making the hinges fold to
a prescribed angle. Finally, the group created a number of active origami components, including a
box, a pyramid, and two origami airplanes based on different design parameters. They demonstrated
that the folding of the printed composite hinges depended on the material properties of the polymers
(including the shape memory behaviour of the fibbers). The lamina and laminate architecture, and the
thermos mechanical loading profile.

(Fig 9) (a) Folding processes of cubes printed with a composite material with a hinge made of shape
memory polymer. Reprinted with permission (b) Folding processes of cubes printed with a single
shape memory material. (c) Hinge design of a heat-induced folding cube made from a single.

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 CHAPTER-3
3. APPLICATION AREA AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

4D printing technology has the potential to change the current business

environment. Future advancement of this mechanism depends and remains focused on
variety of capabilities. For example, current process that allows 4D printed structure to
expand when exposed to water and when structure is allowed to dry, it tends to unfold
and regain its original shape. However, when similar process is repeated again and
again, the material degrades over time and process is not infinitely repeatable. To
control directionality and reversibility process, further research and development need
to be conducted. This development points towards changing future of education and
science. With the study of existing self-changing structures and models, new
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experiment with new material properties and functional behaviours can be tested. The
self-changing ability of material leads to range of applications in various industries. It
is essential for any business to reduce manufacturing cost and increase profit to stay in
fierce competitive environment. The concept of 4D printing technology along with 3D
printing provides platform for new business ideas that can adapt and compete current
market trend by lowering capital requirement, time efficient, less space for holding
inventory and increasing efficiency of the business. 4D printing promotes maintaining
sustainable environment as the self-transforming capability of 4D printed item allows
after use disposition, changing back to original shape.

3.1 MEDICAL FIELD

University of Michigan developed a 3D printed stint that gets absorbed into

the body over time. For the patient with weak cartilage in walls of bronchial tubes, the
stint was used to open airways for two or three years, which is enough time for
bronchial cartilage to form back to the shape. This biomedical splint which was printed
using 3D printing technology changes shape and conforms over time as the body moves
or grows. There has been a successful implant of those 4D printed structure, which
needs to be biocompatible with patient’s immune system and able to adapt the external
surrounding tissues within the body. The process started with virtual model of trachea
through CT scan of patient and designing model of virtual stint with medical imaging
software called Mimics. Polycaprolactone (PCL), a biomaterial was used to print the
stint with the help of Formica P100 3D printer. (Marian, 2016) Most likely, upcoming
future of 4D printing technology will include all types of implants and reconstructive
surgery. Beyond helping patients with respiratory issues, researchers are exploring
their use to correct human skeletal deformation such as facial reconstruction, rebuilding
cars.

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 (Fig 10) (a) Computational image-based design of 3D-printed tracheobronchial splints. (b) 4d
printed stent that is introduced into an artery.

3.2 AERONAUTICS AND ROBOTICS

Overcome limitations of current flight technology by adapting the geometry of lifting

surfaces to pilot input and different flight conditions characterizing a typical mission profile
Improvement to long-term performance, reliability and response of metal actuators is required for
this to become a reality Designing roots requires ability to develop responsive and highly sensitive
parts. 4D printing will allow those machineries far more inadvanced adaptive and dynamic ability to
perform complex task effectively. A team of researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed
origami robots, which is reconfigurable robots capable of folding themselves into arbitrary shapes
and crawling away. The prototype robot was made up of printable parts entirely.

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 (Fig 11) Design model of morphing aircraft

3.3 MILITARY AND AUTOMOBILE APPLICATIONS

Programmable matter will have vast application areas in military sector. US army and Navy
are developing three dimensional printed spare parts in the field and developing programmable
elements that form into full building with all the necessary components such as electricity, plumbing
and other technical structures. As the technology allows the materials to change its shape, military
equipment, cars and fabrics could enable them to alter its camouflage. Military advancements with
4D printing technology would develop coating material in automobile that changes its structure to
cope with humid environment and corrosion. Similarly, transformation of tires depending upon road
and weather condition. In 2013, US Army Research Office granted $855,000 to researchers at three
universities, Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, The University of Illinois and
The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. In automobile industries this
technology helps in printing body parts so that they can change their shape with external conditions
for example with variation in speed the front portion will get air foil shape it reduces load on the car.
BMW Company used 4d printing technology for printing body parts.

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 (Fig 12) (a) Camouflage military vehicle (Fig 13). (b) BMW NEXT 100 4d printed car

3.4 FURNITURE AND HOUSE APPLIANCES

People are much more familiar with IKEA furniture which comes in parts and packed. It takes
lots of time and effort for normal customer to assemble and make ready. However, one could imagine
the relief when those flat packaged furniture self assembles and the furniture is ready to use without
any hassle similarly, self-disassembling of furniture while moving from one location is comforting.
Along with the time saving, it could help people get rid of complex assembling process and mistakes.

3.5 FASHION

The idea of clothes and trainers adjusting their shape and function in response to external
environment and comforting the user, sounds fascinating. Fitting perfectly upon pressure being
applied or gears becoming water proof itself when raining. Massachusetts based design studio
Nervous System have developed 4D printed wearable which is composed of thousands of unique
interlocking component and the dress responds to the wearer’s body. It is to fold the dress and reduces
the space required. It can act like insulation for environment conditions like hot and cold. Experiments
involving 4D printing have been few and limited to the date as there are only few major players
actively in the field of research. Imagine a single shoe for multiple activities: If you start running, it
adapts to being running shoes. If you play basketball, it adapts to support your ankles. If you go on
grass, it grows cleats. If it is raining, it becomes waterproof.

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 (Fig 14). De formative shoes and folding cloths

3.6 INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

This technology can be formulated into action for manufacturing and construction idea at
extremely large scale and complex environments. Printing small materials and transforming into
gigantic shapes in extreme locations such as radiation zone, deep trench, space, war zone. Building
materials that are capable of adjusting fluctuating environment, self-healing, maximum shock
absorption and mediating moisture, sound, pressure, temperature varying the thickness. A good
example of the potentially inevitable revolution of 4D printing in the field of construction can be
smart water pipes, which have the ability to adjust and assemble themselves as per the changing water
pressure and temperature. As the pipes adapts and adjust independently, no need of any digging
preventing internal damages, this mechanism will help in easy and cost effective maintenance.
Insulation wall that can adapt to outside temperature. Self adaptive wall that maintain heat during
winter and less insulation property during summer. Many studies are pursued in the renewable energy
field to improve the current wind turbine blades from various perspectives. To convey the whole
relevant studies, we organize the important concepts as the following sub-sections by considering

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 CHAPTER-4
4. ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

4.1 SWOT ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

A SWOT analysis is carried out for any company, person or product. This
process involves specifying objective of any project identifying internal and external
factor that are suitable and unsuitable to achieve project goal The analysis of
4Dprinting is useful to identify strengths, weakness opportunities and threats related
components for 4Dprinting

(Tab 2) Analysis of 4D printing

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4.2 4D PRINTING MARKET ANALYSIS

Upon analysing the trends in 4D printing market on the basis of programmable matter, end user
industry and future scope, 4D printing market is expected to be commercialized by 2019. As the
printing technology is in its initial developing phase, the global market is expected to grow with
compound annual growth of 42.5% between 2019 and 2025 reaching USD 537.8 million as shown in
Figure 22. As North America expected to hold the majority market size, market development will be
driven by the necessity to reduce manufacturing cost, logistic problems and secure sustainable
development. Similar to 3D printing technology, 4D printing industry will have major impact into
aerospace, military and defence healthcare, automotive, clothing and construction sector.

(Fig 15).Market analysis

4.3 COST ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING

The need to reduce the costs of manufacturing and processing, would accelerate the global
market of 4D printing over the coming years. This technology possess a new business model to cater
to the current business requirements by offering reduced need for capital, inventories, time- tomarket,
which increases the market efficiency. A 4D printed product would lead to lesser manufacturing,
transportation and handling costs which would lead to saving of resources and efforts.sustaining the
environment. The global 4D printing market size is expected to be USD 65.4 million by 2019

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 CHAPTER-5
5. CONCLUSION

5.1 EMERGING MARKET POTENTIAL

4D printing technology is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of the

manufacturing process and increase the capability to produce complex parts and products for different
industrial sectors. Expected to create a large number of potential applications in diverse industrial
sectors (for example, aerospace, defence automotive, health care, infrastructure, manufacturing,
packaging)

5.2 EVOLVING ECO SYSTEM

4D printing technology is expected to be adopted by a range of industrial sectors, Research

laboratories, universities, and companies are also expected to increase their 4D printing research
activities, further enabling convergence between industries and increasing the breadth of applications
of 4D printing technology.

5.3 TECHNOLOGY

4D printing technology (software, hardware, 4D printing materials) is still in early phase of S-

curve. Dominant hardware/software architecture yet to be established. IP on 4D printing smart
materials is building up. 4D technology will be getting increasingly popular as the trends toward its
integration with the giant industries like manufacturing and healthcare, have increased.

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 CHAPTER-6
6. REFERENCES

• https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/manufacturing-design/4d-printing-
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourdimensional
• http://manufacturing.materialise.com/stereolithography
• http://www.technologyreview.com/article/401750/electroactive
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMCZFHv9v8
• https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/130325/thesis_dilip.sequence=1

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