CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 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
like 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.

1.2 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 Centre, 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.

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1.3 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 centres, 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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 CHAPTER 2
4D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

2.1 WHAT IS 4D PRINTING

4-dimensional printing (4D printing; also known as 4D bioprinting, 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...

Figure 1.1. 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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2.2 PROCESS FOR 4D PRINTING

4d printing like 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.
 Interaction mechanisms.
 Smart design.

2.2.1 GENERIC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

AM involves several 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 if 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. 1.2 Generic process of CAD to part, showing all 7stages
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, theremay 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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 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 can
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
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ability of the switching segments within the mechanical deformation. Both Rr and Rf must
add up to 100% to be measured as an effective SMP.

B.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 preformed 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)

C.TWO-WAY SHAPE MEMORY EFFECT

SMP with two-way shape memory effect can 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.

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1.3 Types of shape memory

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 TABLE 1.1 LIST OF SMART MATERIALS
.

MATERIALS INPUT OUTPUT APPLICATION

STIMULATION RESPONSE

Polymeric gal pH change Artificial muscle

Swelling or contracting
Electrorheological Torsional steering
Electric signal Viscosity change
fluid system damper
Personnel sensor
Pyroelectric Temperature Electric signal (open super- market
material door)
Polymer (egg
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

A.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 micro stereolithography (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 and applicable all around,
sensor in airbag systems, fuel injectors in engines, electric cigarette lighter and electronic
equipment.
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 Fig 1.4. Natural piezoelectric materials

B.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 methacrylate polymer. 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.

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C.MAGNETO STRICTIVE MATERIALS

Like piezoelectric and electro strictive materials magneto strictive 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 magneto
strictive materials. Those materials can be used as transducers and actuators where
magnetic energy is used to cause shape change. The application includes telephone 42
receivers, oscillators, sonar scanning, hearing head, damping systems and positioning
equipment. The development of magneto strictive material alloys with better features will
certainly help the 4D printing technology.

2.2.3 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 need to be
addressed. Since, this requires complex and advanced material programming, precise
multilateral 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.

A.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 colour 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 up to 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 controlled

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 Fig 1.5. Self-cubic folding mechanism

B.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 1.6. Self-Folding Strand

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
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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.

C.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 specify 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 neighbouring 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 1.7. Self-Folding Truncated Octahedron (Self-Assembly Lab)

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 D.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. 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 1.8. Curved-Crease Origami

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 a rigorous understanding of mechanisms, predicted behaviours, and
required parameters should be performed to achieve controllable results. By designing the
orientation and location of smart materials such as shape memory polymer fibres 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
fibres 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 fibre
architecture (Figure 10b)

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 Fig 1.9.
(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
fibres, making the hinges fold to a prescribed angle. Finally, the group created several
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 behaviour of the fibres), the lamina and laminate architecture, and the thermos
mechanical loading profile.

Fig 1.10
(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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 CHAPTER 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 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 behaviours 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.

3.1MEDICAL RESEARCH

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 Farmiga P100 3D printer. (Marian, 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 2.1. (a) Computational image-based design of 3D-printed tracheobronchial splints. (b) 4d
printedstent that is introduced into an artery.

3.2AERONAUTICS 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 2.2. Design model of morphing aircraft

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3.3MILITARY 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 air foil shape it reduces load on the car.
BMW Company used 4d printing technology for printing body parts.

Fig 2.3. (a) Camouflage military vehicle fig 2.3. (b) BMW NEXT 100 4d printed car parts

3.4 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

19
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.
3.5FASHION

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 2.4. Deformative shoes and folding cloths

3.6INDUSTRIAL 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 can adjust 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 can adjust and assemble themselves
as per the changing water pressure and temperature. As the pipes adapts and adjust

20
 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 2.5. (a) Pipe manufacturing Fig 2.5. b) Pre-bending deformation in

wind turbine blades to ensure tower clearance
flexible

Fig 2.5. (c) Industrial wall construction

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 CHAPTER 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.
Table 2

STRENGTHS (internal WEAKNESS (internal factors, negative)

factors,positive)
 Efficiency of material and  New technology in the field of
manufacturingprocess 3Dprinting.
 Positive market growth forecast multi  Expensive smart material and limited.
colour print and Multi material print.  Expensive hardware (printer) that
 Time efficient. mayrestrict public from using it.
 Smart material (programmable  Accuracy in shape change,
material)Based upon multi-material complexshapes.
3D printing.
 Requires specialized personnel
andcontrolled environment.

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

negative)

o Helps logistic problems, transportation o Machine compatibility

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

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 o 5D printing o Ethics

4.2 MARKET ANALYSIS

Upon analysing the trends in 4D printing market based on 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 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. Like 3D printing technology, 4D printing
industry will have major impact into aerospace, military and defines, healthcare,
automotive, clothing and construction sector.

Fig 3.1. Market

analysis

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4.3 COST ANALYSIS

The need to reduce the costs of manufacturing and processing, would accelerate the global
market of 4D printing over the coming years. This technology possesses 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 64.2 million by 2019.

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 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION

 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 many potential
applications in diverse industrial sectors (for example, aerospace, defines,
automotive, health care, infrastructure, manufacturing, packaging).
 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.
 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.

25
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