4D printing technology

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 3-Dimensional (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.

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.MIT´s
Self-Assembly Lab, 3D printing manufacturer Stratasys and 3D software company Autodesk are
the key players in the development of 4D printing technology.

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 self-assembling 4D-structures much more quickly and
efficiently.

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2. 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
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 (t) 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 3D
changes over time (t). Arrows indicate the direction of change with respect to time .

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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. The4D printing relies predominantly on four factors—
 The basic additive manufacturing process,
 Types of stimulus-responsive material, and
 Interaction mechanisms.
 Smart design.

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. 1.1 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.

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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.

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: Build

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.

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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).

a. 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

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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%×(ε−εrec)/ε and Rf=100%×ε/εload; whereby ε = fixed strain after cooling and
unloading; εrec = strain after recovery; and εload=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 predeformed 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
(Fig. 4) and the change is reversible.
Zhou emphasized that this behaviour is neither mechanically nor structurally constrained,
thereby allowing for multiple switching between encoded shapes without applying any external
force. 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 to 25 °C.

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LIST OF SMART MATERIALS .

MATERIALS INPUT APPLICATION

OUTPUT RESPONSE
STIMULATION

Polymeric gal pH change Artificial muscle

Swelling or contracting

Electro- Torsional steering

rheological fluid Electric signal Viscosity change system damper

Personnel sensor
Pyroelectric Temperature Electric signal (open super- market
material door)
Polymer (eg
thin film Humidity change Capacity/resistance Humidity sensors
cellulose), change
ceramic

Force Force
Self-Healing Smart phone chassis
Materials

Smart metal alloys Temperature Shape Motor actuators

Dielectric
Elastomers Voltage Strain Robotics

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, Polyvinylidene 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) 3D printing technology that can be used to create piezoceramic
object. Piezoceramics 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

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and applicable all around, sensor in airbag systems, fuel injectors in engines, electric cigarette
lighter and electronic equipment.

Fig 5. Natural piezoelectric materials

Shape Memory polymers

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 dualshape 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 dimethacylate polymer. Initially the shape was

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programmed to form flat helix, using heat energy ranging from 10 degree to 50 degree
centigrade, flat helix transformed into tube shape structure.
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.
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.

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 color 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 upto
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 geometric transformation occurs. Transformation can be

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controlled by adjusting pure expandable polymer with digital composite material as per
requirement.

Fig 6. Self cubic folding mechanism

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.

Figure 7. Self-Folding Strand

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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..
Custom Angle Surfaces
In his research, Skyler Tibbits 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 neighboring 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

Figure 8. Self-Folding Truncated Octahedron (Self-Assembly Lab, 2016)

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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 9. Curved-Crease Origami

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 behaviors, and required parameters should be
performed to achieve controllable results. By designing the orientation and location of smart
materials such as shape memory polymer fibers 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 fibers 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 nonuniform and spatially varying curvatures depending on each sample’s
prescribed fiber architecture (Figure 10b)

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Fig 10. (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 fibers,
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 behavior of the fibers),
the lamina and laminate architecture, and the thermo mechanical loading profile.

Fig 11.(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 material

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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 experiment with new material
properties and functional behaviors 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.
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 Formiga
P100 3D printer. (Mearian, 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 ears.

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fig 12. (a) Computational image-based design of 3D-printed tracheobronchial splints . (b) 4d printed stent
that is introduced into an artery.

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 advanced 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.

Fig 13. Design model of morphing aircraft

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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 airfoil shape it reduces load on the car.
BMW Company used 4d printing technology for printing body parts.

Fig 14. (a) Camouflage military vehicle fig 14. (b) BMW NEXT 100 4d printed car parts

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.

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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.

Fig 15. Deformative shoes and folding cloths

Industrial applications
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

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perspectives. To convey the whole relevant studies,we organize the important concepts as the
following sub-sections by considering four of main advancements in wind turbine blades
including adaptability, bend-twist coupling shape-shifting, flexibility and plant leaf-mimetic
wind blade.

Fig 16. (a) Pipe manufacturing Fig 16. b) Pre-bending deformation in flexible
wind turbine blades to ensure tower clearance

Fig 16. (c) Industrial wall construction

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4. ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

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.

STRENGTHS (internal factors, positive) WEAKNESS(internal factors, negative)

 Efficiency of material and  New technology in the field of 3D

manufacturing process printing.
 Positive market growth forecast multi  Expensive smart material and limited.
color print and Multi material print.  Expensive hardware (printer) that may
 Time efficient. restrict public from using it.
 Smart material (programmable  Accuracy in shape change, complex
material) Based upon multi-material shapes.
3D printing.  Requires specialized personnel and
controlled environment.

OPPORTUNITIES(external factors, positive) THREATS (external factors, negative)

 Helps logistic problems, transportation  Machine compatibility

 Helpful in extreme places i.e. war zone,  Public safety and health problems
space  Impact on environment
 Useful for implants in medical field  Intellectual property rights-copyright,
 Concept of smart city, buildings & patent, trademark System vulnerable to
structures software hack,
 5D printing  Ethics

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4d printing Market Analysis

Upon analyzing 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 defense, healthcare, automotive, clothing and
construction sector.

Fig 17.Market analysis

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-
to-market, 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
million by 2019

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5. CONCLUSION

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, defense, automotive, health care, infrastructure, manufacturing,
packaging)

Evolving Ecosystem:
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.

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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 4D printing technology

6. REFERENCES

 https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/manufacturing-design/4d-printing-
Advances-additive-manufacturing
 Thomas A. Campbell, Skylar Tibbits, Banning Garret “The Next wave: 4D printing”
programming the material world Atlantic Council
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-dimensional_printing
 http://manufacturing.materialise.com/stereolithography
 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/healthtopics/topics/ stents
 http://www.technologyreview.com/article/401750/electroactive
-polymers/
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMCZFHv9v8
 https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/130325/thesis_dilip.sequence=1
Technical considerations of 4d printing
 Plant leaf-mimetic smart wind turbine blades by 4D printing
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148118306207

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