4D printing

4D printing refers to the ability of 3D printed objects to transform its shape over time. We explore how these shape-shifting materials could be used for smart implants, soft devices or tissue and organ fabrication.

4D printing: heat shrinks printed objects

4D printing could be used to produce parts that exhibit a specific behavior only after they take their predefined shape.

3D printing programmable structures from the printer

Researchers have developed a new process for producing movable, self-adjusting materials systems with standard 3D-printers.

Using 4D printing to enable spinal fusion

4D printing helps create a biomimetic microchannel scaffold made of collagen and hydroxyapatite.

Shape-changing 4D materials hold promise for bioengineering

New hydrogel-based materials that can change shape in response to psychological stimuli, such as water, could be the next generation of materials used to bioengineer tissues and organs.

3D printed morphing nozzle control fiber orientation

Researchers have developed a morphing nozzle for additive manufacturing of fiber‐filled composite materials that hold promise for “4D printing” applications.

4D printing soft objects for implants

Scientists have developed a method to 4D print objects that can be manipulated to take on alternate forms when exposed to changes in temperature, electric current or stress.

4D printing may speed development of therapeutics

Researchers have created a 4D printer capable of constructing patterned surfaces that recreate the complexity of cell surfaces.

4D printed tiny needles that could replace hypodermic needles

Rutgers University have devised a way to integrate microneedles with backward facing barbs, so that microneedle arrays can stay in place as long as needed.

Researchers develops revolutionary reversible 4D printing

Researchers revolutionised 4D printing by making a 3D fabricated material change its shape and back again repeatedly without electrical components.

4D printing the world’s smallest stent

Researchers have developed a new method for producing malleable microstructures – for instance, vascular stents that are 40 times smaller than previously possible.