GOVT POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE ATTINGAL

SEMINAR REPORT

REPORT ON

4D PRINTING TECNOLOGY

SUBMITTED BY

ASWAND.S

REG.NO:2101023758

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2023-2024

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 GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE , ATTINGAL

CERTIFICATE

Certified that this is a bonafide report of seminar on 4D PRINTING

TECHNOLOGY done by ASWAND.S (2101023758), in partial Fulfillment
for the award of Diploma In Mechanical Engineering from the director of
Technical Education, Kerala during the academic year 2023-24.

Head of department Lecturer in Charge

DR. RENJITH BP DR. MANOOP M

Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Govt Polytechnic College ,Attingal Govt Polytechnic College,Attingal

External Examiner Internal Examiner

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am quite happy to take this opportunity to thank the people who helped and
supported me.

I acknowledge my deep felt gratitude, inspiration and respect to Sri.

ShajilAnthru, Principal, and Govt Polytechnic college Attingal for providing
the necessary facility for the seminar.

I also express my gratitude to the Head of Department Sri. DR.Renjith BP for

the ways and means by which I was able to complete this seminar.

I thank our class tutor Sri. DR.Manoop M, and other Lecturers for the support
and guidance by which I was able to complete this seminar.

I am also grateful to all staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department for

their invaluable guidance, help and support without which the successful
completion of this seminar would not have been possible.

Finally I would like to thank my loving parents , my dearest friends, each and
everyone who had done their part in making this venture a successful one.

ASWAND.S

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 CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE NO

ABSTRACT 6

INTRODUCTION 7

4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 8-22

APPLICATION AREA AND

22-26
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

ANALYSIS OF 4D PRINTING
27-28
TECHNOLOGY

CONCLUSION 29

REFERENCE 30

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 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

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 ABSTRACT

4D printing technology is an emerging field that has the potential to

revolutionize manufacturing and product design. Unlike traditional 3D printing,
4D printing involves the use of materials that can change shape or properties in
response to external stimuli such as temperature, moisture, or light. This
capability allows for the creation of self-assembling and self-repairing structures,
as well as adaptive and responsive materials. The integration of 4D printing with
advanced materials science and engineering holds promise for a wide range of
applications, including aerospace, medicine, construction, and consumer
products.

One of the key advantages of 4D printing technology is its ability to create

complex and intricate structures with minimal human intervention. By
harnessing the inherent properties of smart materials, 4D printing enables the
fabrication of objects that can transform, fold, or reconfigure themselves
without the need for additional assembly or mechanical manipulation. This has
significant implications for the development of lightweight and adaptable
structures, as well as for the creation of functional and customizable products.

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 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.

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.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.

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

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 2. 4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

2.1 WHAT IS 4D PRINTING?

4-dimensional printing (4D printing; also known as 4D bio printing, active
origami,or shape-morphing 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 (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 3Dchanges over time (t). 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.

 Interaction mechanisms.

 Smart design.

2.2.1 GENERIC ADDITIVE 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 free form 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 8 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
carry on 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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2.2.2 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).

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

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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

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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

INPUT OUTPUT
MATERIALS RESPONSE APPLICATION
STIMULATION
Polymeric gal pH change Swelling or Artificial muscle
contracting
Electro- Electric signal Viscosity chan Torsional Steering
rheological ge System damper
fluid
Pyroelectric Temperature Electric Personal
material signal sensor(open super-
market door)

Polymer(eg Humidity change Capacity/resi Humidity sensors

thin filim stance
cellulose),cera change
mic
Self-healing Force Force Smart phone
Materials
Smart metal Temperature Shape Motor actuators
alloys
Dielectric Voltage Strain Robotics
Elastomers

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.

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These are very useful materials 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 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 dimethacylate polymer.

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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.

2.2.3 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 hydro-gel with upto150
percentage of original volume. The shape transformation of the structure is
linear in this case, but when the polymer structure is combined with different

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composite material that reacts differently with water, complex geometric
transformation occurs. Transformation can be 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.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

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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

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2.2.4 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 arigorous 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 7a). 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 7b)

Fig 7. (a) Schematic of the folding mechanism and (b) representative

images for folding by heat.

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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.
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 8.(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.

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3.1 MEDICAL FIELD

University of Michigan developed a 3D printed stint that gets absorbed into the
body overtime. 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 bio compatible 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 bio material was used to print the stint with the help
of FormigaP100 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.

fig 9. (a) Computational image-based design of 3D-printed

tracheobronchial splints.(b) 4d printed stent that is introduced into an
artery.

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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 machinery 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 re configurable robots
capable of folding themselves into arbitrary shapes and crawling away. The
prototype robot was made up of printable parts entirely.

Fig 10. 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

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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 11. (a) Camouflage military vehicle fig 11. (b) BMW NEXT 100 4d
printed car parts

3.4 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

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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 four of main advancements in wind turbine blades
including adaptability, bend-twist coupling shape-shifting,flexibility and plant
leaf-mimetic wind blade.

Fig 12. (a) Pipe manufacturing Fig 12. b) Pre-bending deformation

in flexible wind turbine blades to
ensure tower clearance

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 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.

STRENGTHS(internal factors, WEAKNESS(internal factors,

positive) negative)

➢ Efficiency of material and manufacturing ➢ New technology in the field of 3D

process printing.

➢ Positive market growth forecast multi ➢ Expensive smart material and

color print and Multi material print. limited.

➢ Time efficient. ➢ Expensive hardware (printer) that

➢ Smart material (programmable material) may restrict public from using it.
Based upon multi-material3D printing. ➢ Accuracy in shape change,
complex shapes.

➢ Requires specialized personnel and

controlled environment.

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

➢ Helps logistic problems, transportation ➢ Machine compatibility

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

➢ 5D printing ➢ Ethics

4.2 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 USD65.4 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 health-care, have increased.

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 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

=1Technical considerations of 4d printing

➢ Plant leaf-mimetic smart wind turbine blades by 4D

printinghttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148118306207

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