Recent Developments on 4D Printings and Applications

Abstract

The new generation of 3D printing is known as four-dimensional (4D) printing technology that involves the printing of complex geometries with smart materials. The rise of 4D technological developments leads to finding modern production techniques and new materials. The present chapter covers the applications of 4D printing in various fields like aerospace, biomedical devices, morphing structures, deployable structures, biomaterials, smart textiles, 4D printing of active origami structures, self-healing composite systems, soft robotics, wearable sensors, and transportation, etc. Overall, the chapter provides recent developments in shape-memory material and 4D printing technology. Advancements in technology are always flourishing; 3D printing is a field that is pacing at a great rate but printing a large or complex material involves a costly process. 4D printing can be used for printing a material that can change its physical properties with time so that the printing does not require more cost as the printed material can be transformed into a material of the required shape or size. The I study aims to explore the 4D printing process in a detailed manner and provides an understanding of how 4D printing works.