Process parameters of 4D printing which affect the shape memory effect of PLA

This masters thesis investigates the influence of various printing parameters on the shape memory effect of 3D printed objects, with a focus on fixity and recovery rates. Through a series of experimental tests, it was observed that printing temperature had minimal impact on fixity and recovery rates. However, correlations were identified between...

4D Printing: Post-processing for the masses

This research investigates the challenges a user faces in the activation step in shape-changing products. First, previous research on the topic of 4DP is reviewed and important factors are described. Namely, activation temperature, print temperature, print speed, and layer height have a signifi cant impact on the shrinkage...

Two-Photon Polymerization 4D Printing of Mechanical Metamaterials

Shape morphing is a prevalent feature in all living organisms. Incorporating shape-morphing capabilities into engineered scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering by virtue of 4D printing would allow for structures to closely mimic in-vivo conditions, and dynamically interact with changing cellular microenvironments. Engineered scaffolds...

4D Printed Soft Magnetic Memory Materials: Automating the printing of soft magnetic memory materials and inspiring creative applications

Magnetic shape memory materials are special types of materials that can change their shape in the presence of a magnetic field, this happens because of how the incorporated magnetic micro or nano particles arrange themselves. Magnetic shape memory materials have many exciting applications, especially in the fields of robotics and devices that...

4D Printing Magnetically Activated Shape Morphing Objects

Magnetic Soft (shape memory) Materials (MSM for short) are a form of shape memory hybrid in which the shape change is initiated by magnetic particles embedded in an elastomer matrix. When an external magnetic field is applied, these magnetized particles will align themselves to this magnetic field, straining the elastomer in a specific shape....

FlexTECH: Taking the next step with 'Printed Electronics'

By combining the recent innovations of 4D Printing and Printed Electronics, the Emerging Materials group at the Delft University of Technology has developed a new, printable, self-actuatable material that can continuously change shape in a programmable manner. A specifically designed strip of conductive and non-conductive materials exhibits...

Shape-Memory Alloy in 3D printing: Make 3D prints come into motion

In this project, the opportunities were investigated when combining shape-memory alloy material with 3D printing technology. This combination has the potential to create objects that are able to move on their own. Shape-memory alloys are as the name suggests material with a Shape-Memory this unique quality makes it possible to program a shape...