The status, challenges, and future in design for 4D printing

Abstract

The combination of scientific developments in additive manufacturing (AM) and smart materials (SMs) has enabled the formation of a new multidisciplinary study area: 4D printing. Stimuli-responsive materials are at the heart of this technology, and they hold great promise for bringing about transformations in the functionality, shape, and properties of everyday products. Researchers from many different fields have used proof-of-concept 3D printers, either commercially available or custom-made, to explore a wide variety of stimuli-SMs correlations by taking advantage of these capabilities. Despite many efforts, advances in 4D printing are still needed to match the industry's robust system applications. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the current state of 4D printing as well as its limitations and design-related hurdles. It begins by reviewing the basics of SMs, processes, stimuli, and AM before moving on to a synthesis of significant research works on 4D printing, with an emphasis on the technology's current state and its scientific, technical, and institutional limits. A research agenda for engineering design and cross-disciplinary design is also outlined in the article, highlighting potential and difficulties from a variety of viewpoints. The study's findings may help guide research over the next decade in the direction of creating smart products that can benefit both consumers and businesses.