4D printing with smart materials is changing product design

The article discusses the transformative impact of 4D printing, an advancement over traditional 3D printing that incorporates smart materials capable of changing shape, properties, or functionality over time in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, moisture, or pH. Originating from the concept introduced by MIT researchers in 2013, 4D printing uses programmable materials that enable printed objects to bend, fold, expand, or contract after fabrication, effectively adding time as a functional design dimension. This innovation allows objects to adapt to their environment or self-assemble, marking a significant evolution in additive manufacturing. Key applications of 4D printing span across multiple industries. In medicine, it enables devices like stents that can expand automatically inside the body, reducing invasive procedures, and drug delivery systems that release medication only under specific conditions, enhancing treatment safety and efficacy. In construction and aerospace, 4D printing promises self-assembling structures that reduce labor and costs, while in robotics, it facilitates the creation