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4D printing is a cutting-edge technology that allows for the creation of dynamic, self-assembling structures by utilizing cutting edge, newly introduced smart materials. It builds upon traditional 3D printing by adding the dimension of time, allowing printed objects to change shape or behavior over time. This is achieved through the use of smart materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers, which respond to external stimuli such as heat or moisture. These materials are engineered to have specific properties that can be triggered by specific conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, or other physical forces. 4D printing enables the creation of structures that can adapt to their environment and perform specific functions, such as objects that change shape in response to temperature changes, or structures that can self-assemble in response to a specific trigger. Overall, 4D printing is an exciting and rapidly advancing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we design and create structures. The ability to create structures that can change shape or behavior over time opens up new possibilities for a wide range of applications. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative uses of 4D printing in a wide range of scientific fields such as architecture, aerospace, and biomedical engineering demanding the creation of highly complex and dynamic structures that can adapt to changing environments.
Kantaros et al. (Sun,) studied this question.