4D Printing Takes 3D Technology to a New Level

Forget 3D printing. It looks as if 4D printing is now the new level of technology. Scientists are taking 3D printing to a whole new level with 4D printing technology.

The four dimension is time; in this case, it's shape shifting. Researchers have now started to develop 3D printed materials that morph into new structures, post production, under the influence of external stimuli such as water or heat-hence the name 4D printing.

As in 3D printing, a structure is built up layer by layer into the desired shape. What makes these materials different, though, is that they have the ability to transform themselves from one shape into another.

"The cool thing about it is, is it's a working functioning device that you just pick up from the printer," said Marc in het Panhuis, one of the researchers, in a news release. "There's no other assembly required."

In this case, the scientists created a valve that actuates in response to its surroundings and water's temperature. The valve, which is a 3D printed structure, possesses actuators that are activated solely by water.

"So it's an autonomous valve, there's no input necessary other than water; it closes itself when it detects hot water," said in het Panhuis."

The latest findings could be huge for the future of 4D-printed devices. This, in turn, could be important for the medical, construction and automation fields. That said, it may take quite some time before this technology is able to be used in widespread manufacturing processes.

The findings are published in the journal Macromolecular Rapid Communications.

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