4D printing – revolution or fad?
Abstract
Purpose
This feature article aims to review state-of-the-art developments in additive manufacture, in particular, 4D printing. It discusses what it is, what research has been carried out and maps potential applications and its future impact.
Design/methodology/approach
The article first defines additive manufacturing technologies and goes on to describe the state-of-the-art. Following which the paper examines several case studies and maps a trend that shows an emergence of 4D printing.
Findings
The case studies highlight a particular specialization within additive manufacture where the use of adaptive, biomimetic composites can be programmed to reshape, or have embedded properties or functionality that transform themselves when subjected to external stimuli.
Originality/value
This paper discusses the state-of-the-art of additive manufacture, discussing strategies that can be used to reduce the print process (such as through kinematics); and the use of smart materials where parts adapt themselves in response to the surrounding environment supporting the notion of self-assemblies.
Keywords
Citation
Pei, E. (2014), "4D printing – revolution or fad?", Assembly Automation, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 123-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-02-2014-014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited