3D and 4D printing shows a wide range of possibilities during the coming year. Here are some examples of expansion in technology and markets.

Rob Spiegel

January 20, 2022

15 Slides

3D printing (3DP) and additive manufacturing (AM) are expanding in new and surprising ways. Like conventional manufacturing, 3D and AM are getting infused with data analytics. We’re expecting new materials and we’re likely to see market consolidation.

We’re also seeing the advent of 4D printing. In recent years, 4D printing has developed into a useful technology. 4D printing is the action or process of using 3D printing techniques to create an object that is able to change its shape or properties in a predictable way over time in reaction to conditions such as exposure to water, air, heat, or electric current.

The technology is often associated with work done by MIT in conjunction with Autodesk and Stratasys. This video explains how it works and its potential uses:

 

About the Author(s)

Rob Spiegel

Rob Spiegel has served as senior editor at Electronic News and Ecommerce Business, covering the electronics industry and Internet technology. He has served as a contributing editor at Automation World and Supply Chain Management Review. Rob has contributed to Design News for 10 years.

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