4D printing with smart materials is changing product design

The article discusses the transformative impact of 4D printing, an advancement of 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. This innovation adds the dimension of time to additive manufacturing, enabling printed objects to bend, fold, stretch, or self-assemble after fabrication. Originating from concepts introduced by MIT researchers in 2013, 4D printing leverages programmable materials like shape memory polymers to create dynamic structures, such as medical stents that expand at body temperature or flat structures that morph into complex shapes when triggered. The potential applications of 4D printing span multiple industries. In medicine, it offers minimally invasive devices and targeted drug delivery systems that activate under specific conditions, enhancing treatment safety and efficacy. In construction and aerospace, 4D printing could facilitate self-assembling structures, reducing labor and costs. Additionally, the technology promises advancements in soft robotics and