The 3d printing marked a before and after in the market and impacted hundreds of industrial sectors. But, this did not stop there, over time a new technology appeared that based on 3D printing It gives objects the ability to transform over time and this is called 4D Printing.
The potential and interest that industries have shown to customize structures and certain devices is overwhelming. In a way, success is inevitable and opens a window into the future of printing.
But, Can 4D printing replace manufacturing processes? Join us to deepen this topic and learn a little more about 4D printing. What is it, what is it for and what will its impact be on the world?
4D printing What are they and how do they work?
4D printing is part of 3D printing and refers to the changes made to objects that have been printed in 3D. Although a 3D object is not mobile or bendable, 4D printing allows these and other actions to be carried out. Is about give functionality to the object acquiring a way that receives an external stimulus and helps to assemblerepair and even has the ability to disintegrate other objects.
This technology is great because it allows a world of possibilities and works hand in hand with diverse materials that adapt to printing. We are talking about the fact that it is possible to create an object that reacts to various stimuli and performs a function if you have to touch them. These in turn change size, color and shape as required. Regarding the operation of the 4D printer, it is actually somewhat simplistic.
Starting from a 3D object, it is responsible for printing concrete actions. Materials suitable for printing are used and from a computer the algorithms, the use and the temperature levels that it can withstand are determined. This explanation is a summary of the process, because it actually has a certain degree of complexity. Material molding and post-printing take a little longer because the microstructure must be programmed.
What materials are used to print in 4D?
Unlike 3D printing, the materials to be used are limited, that is, not all of them are suitable or adapted to the objects. 4D printing is practically in an evaluation stage and now there are still elements to be evaluated. Nevertheless, It has been verified that materials such as shape memory polymers (PMF), liquid crystal elastomers (LCE), and hydrogels have the necessary characteristics to be able to give objects functionality.
These materials are sensitive to quality, it memorizes the shape even when it is deformed from its natural effect. Also, they are waterproof, biocompatible, flexible and lightweightqualities that without a doubt are used for various industries.
Similarly, they fit well with 4D printing. materials that allow various types of energy such as: magnetic, thermal, gravitational and pneumatic, among other. The success of 4D printing is given by the materials that are used, these are the so-called “smart materials” that are programmed to change an external factor.
History and origin of 4D printing. When was it created and who did it?
4D printing is a new and innovative concept that will change the world in the future. The idea has been around for a few years, but it was in 2013 when computer scientist Skylar Tibbits, co-director and founder of the Self-Assembly Lab at the Massachusetts Institute, showed it to the public. Many claimed that it was a somewhat ambitious idea and although the novelty had an impact, it came to be seen as an emerging technology.
Others, on the other hand, They didn’t even have the idea of giving autonomy to an object, much less transforming it to give it functionality.. However, this opened up a world of possibilities and caused quite a stir because 3D printing was thought to be the ultimate. But, 4D printing in this new modality is quite ambitious and will change the approach to productivity at an industrial levelin the world of engineering, medicine and even nanotechnology, among others.
Differences between 3D and 4D printing
To understand a little more about this topic, it is important to show the differences between 3D and 4D printing.
These are:
3d print
This type of 3D printing is characterized by:
- Create diversity of objects in physical starting from a digital model.
- in processes special software and materials are required.
- 3D printing is mostly accomplished by laser injection processes.
- Materials such as plastic filaments, resins and binder inks are used. These are perfect for molding designs.
- The printing process is given by superposition of layers successive material.
4D printing
The main features are:
- It has a ability to create pieces or elements that interact with the environment.
- add another dimension special to the designs.
- Answers external stimuli.
- The materials to be used have special qualities to be able to mold, bend and transform even with extreme temperatures.
- Furthermore, these materials They have shape memory.
- Are adaptable to water.
as you will see, they are two different types of impressions. In the case of 3D printing depends only on scanners, whereas in 4D printing must be given from a three-dimensional design and object.
Utility and applications of 4D printing
If you wonder What is a 4D printer and its applications for? We will help you clear up those doubts.
This type of printers has the potential for wide uses in a variety of markets, among which are:
- Building: it interferes because it provides the sector with structures that adapt to climate changes. In addition, if applied to smart piping systems, they will have the ability to self-repair and adapt according to the volume of water it contains, even when underground.
- Medicine: This has been a sector that has benefited from 3D printing and that in the future will surely do so with 4D printing. The possibilities of creating smart devices and printing implants that are not rejected by patients is one of the many objectives that have been raised. Similarly, regenerative medicine with this type of imprint allows the body to adapt to the body from the cellular structure. This particular point was unimaginable a few decades ago.
- Transportation: The entire transport sector will be affected, including aviation and the automotive industry. From part design, tires, pulse effects, and dozens of objects can improve your current conditions.
In the case of aircraft, the components that are printed in 4D can be more resistant to changes in temperature, pressure and it is possible to replace high-cost parts. It is somewhat ambitious to think that in the future it will be possible to choose furniture that unfolds, shoes and clothes that fit the bodysmart medicines that cover only the affected area and much more.
Impact of 4D printing in the world. What are the forecasts?
When a new technology emerges, expectations are high and investigations are immediately opened to create a panorama, or rather, a glimpse into the future. Many people think that it is too soon to be able to affirm or deny something about 4D printing. However, curiosity is greater every day and hundreds of specialized work teams are committed to its success.
Exists some caution towards printing in four dimensions because even 3D printing shows certain margins of error and there is a long way to go for perfection. Although educational use and applications in sectors such as medicine, engineering and the automotive industry, among others, have benefited. It is also a reality that not everything has been said, now there are things to discover.
Nowadays, 4D printing is the next level for the future, this step that remains to be climbed is very high, but it is not that close. For now, the present is 3D printing and it will be around for a long time.
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