Office Automation Innovation: 4D Printing

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4D printing

At Brock Office Automation, we are all about the latest innovations and we love sharing the details with you. Nothing beats being on the cutting edge of technology in the workplace, and we want to keep you in the loop. Our Office Automation Innovation Series brings you the goods on what is going on in the world of office technology so you can make sure your workplace has the best innovations out there.

Today we’re talking: 4D Printing

Last week we told you about 3D printing — how it works and how your office can benefit from this amazing technology. Now, we have something even more cutting edge to tell you about: 4D printing. Back in February, Skylar Tibbets announced he and researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was putting efforts into adding the fourth dimension to printing. With the fourth dimension being time, how exactly does that work?

 

What is 4D printing?

4D printing is based on the theory that over time static objects transform, adapt and evolve. That means this new innovation is taking 3D printing to the next level. It uses the same process as 3D print technology, but, once constructed, the object can transform itself.

How does 4D printing work?

Tibbets explained to Wired magazine that “It’s like naturally embedding smartness into the materials.” So, like 3D printing, the printer builds a programmed design layer by layer with a specific material. The material used in 4D printing differs however, in that a “smart” material is used that can absorb water. Acting as an energy source, the water allows the material to take on the desired shape and transform.

 

What will 4D printing innovation mean?

The idea is still in its early stages of development, but once it is perfected the applications are extensive. Objects will be able to build themselves. The thought is that eventually it will be possible to print the beginning stages of cars, bikes, furniture and even buildings that will evolve into a finished product.

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