4D Printing - Are we closer to that Hype?

Some of you may know that my research interest has focused much more towards 4D printing in recent years and of which this article by Khare and his team (From 3D to 4D Printing – Design, Material and Fabrication for Multi-Functional Multi-Materials, 2017) sums pretty much the challenges ahead and the technologies needed:

• First of all a “systematic and in-depth understanding of material related properties” is needed. - i.e. material science knowledge
• Second, a better understanding of fabrication techniques, and how they can be scaled up or down is required. - i.e. production know-how
• Thirdly, improvements to technology that can be used to read the atomic and molecular structure of an object. - i.e. designing in CAD
• And finally, development of powerful simulation tools that can accurately explore changes to all three variables. - i.e. representation, communication and control

There's so much more going on towards understanding this field and if you're keen to be involved in discussions, on-going projects or doctoral opportunities for education, do get in touch.