Adding the Fourth Dimension to 3D Printing

Are you ready to learn more about 3D printing and how it’s changing!? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Indovance is here to report all the happenings, as they’re released! We are excited to discuss the latest news, below! Adding a Fourth Dimension 3D printing is making waves in the media again, and this time it’s in an even more revolutionizing way. According to researchers, three dimensions aren’t enough. They are now working on a 4D concept that will even out what 3D lacks. While the 4D objects are still built, layer by layer, the objects will be able to actually morph into various shapes.  in addition, they’ll be able to change their use. Extremetech.com reports that, “So far, researchers have developed devices using materials that are actuated by water or heat. This is significant, since the structures are ready as soon as you pick them up from the printer. However, up until now, the prototypes developed were slow, severely limited in the amount of times they could be used, and weak, since they relied on a bending motion in a flexible material. The University of Wollongong researchers are the first to use a process whereby four different materials were printed simultaneously. The hydrogels used by the team consist of a network of poly N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm) and alginate. Alginate is a salt of alginic acid that is commonly found in seaweed and algae. Among other things, it is used as a thickener in food. PNIPAAm consists of two polymer networks entangled in one another. This gives the material strength and durability. When cracks form in one network, the other network bridges the gaps and so prevents greater damage.” The PNIPAAm was combined, in thin layers, with traditional materials used for 3D printing. Doing so allowed for a creation capable of faster linear motion. The movement is similar to the contraction of a muscle.What’s even more exciting about this process of 4D is that it’s reversible. This method of combining the right materials with 3D printing to make 4D objects that can morph and move quickly is exciting and promising! Be sure to visit back with us periodically to learn more about the ever-changing world of 3D – and now 4D – printing!

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