Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D, has emerged as a robust and reliable technological alternative to many traditional manufacturing and fabrication methods. However, a new and potentially disruptive advancement is quickly gaining momentum in the backdrop of technology. This development promises to revolutionize industries even more profoundly than 3D manufacturing has done so far.
Introduce the concept of 4-dimensional print, which encompasses 4D bioprinting, active origami, and shape-morphing systems.
What is 4d Printing:
4D goes beyond the three-dimensional length, breadth, and height by incorporating the fourth dimension of time into the additive manufacturing process. This approach enables materials to dynamically change shape, transform properties, or self-assemble over time in response to environmental stimuli such as temperature, moisture, or light.
Difference Between 3d Printing and 4d manufacturing:
In 3D manufacturing, layers of material are sequentially built into a 3d object, following a path from the bottom to the top, creating a static structure. On the other hand, 4D manufacturing utilizes similar layering techniques but distinguishes itself through advanced, programmable materials. These materials can autonomously transform their shape, properties, or functionality in response to external stimuli or environmental changes.
One example of these advanced and programmable materials is a shape memory polymer (SMP). SMPs can undergo large-scale elastic transformation in response to environmental stimuli.
The three most common shape memory polymers are Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE), polylactide (PLA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Domain:
One of the most effective ways to predict the future trajectory of any technology is by examining the applications submitted for that technology in recent years.
Patenting Trend
Publication Country:
China has filed the highest number of .
Conclusion:
4D printing holds tremendous promise for applications requiring responsive transformation triggered by external stimuli or the environment. Countries like China, , and the US are key contributors to investing in research and development (R&D) to advance 4D printing technologies.
Examination of market trends and () reveals a growth trajectory for 4D printing over the past years. These trends indicate that 4D printing is set for significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing investments, technological advancements, and expanding applications across various industries.
As R&D efforts continue to refine the capability of the programmable material and optimize manufacturing processes, the commercial adoption of 4D printing is to accelerate. This evolution promises to revolutionize fields ranging from aerospace and healthcare to consumer , offering dynamic solutions that adapt and respond to changing environmental conditions autonomously.
In conclusion, the burgeoning interest from major global players and the upward trajectory of filing indicates a promising future for 4D printing, positioning it as a transformative force in the manufacturing landscape in the years ahead
AUTHOR: AVANTIKA BHARDWAJ, PATENT RESEARCH ANALYST