Despite the fact that 3D printing is still considered a new technology, developers from Harvard University have proved that progress is rapidly developing. The team of scientists took the 3D printer as a basis and added a fourth dimension.
4D printer: what is it
By “4D printer” is meant the use of not 3 dimensions (X, Y, Z) for printing real objects, but also the fourth dimension - time (T).
If you add special materials to printed objects that can respond to external factors - for example, cold, water - then these objects can move and change shape over time, like a person’s muscles.
How 4D printer works
4D printing is the latest technology based on 3D printing. The improvement is that when printing, an intermediate layer of “smart” material is added that is able to absorb moisture.
In this case, moisture is a source of energy for increasing the volume of material after printing on a 3D printer. The main subject is first processed by the printer, and then with the help of water it changes and gets the desired shape.
Reference! These innovations make it possible to print any item in a fairly short time. Precisely "Time" is the 4th dimension.
What can be printed on a 4D printer
The Harvard Laboratory has printed many different items that can themselves take on the required shape or assemble themselves. Scientists demonstrated self-tied shoelaces, folding furniture on their own. New technology is also used for other purposes.
Space satellite protection
Thanks to a 4D printer, NASA scientists made a special metal fabric that protects satellites from damage, and is also required for the manufacture of elastic antennas.
This is a kind of "chain mail" made of silver with the addition of some other metals. The fabric can be compressed, stretched and folded. Despite the elasticity, the material is very difficult to tear. It is planned that in the future satellites will pack this fabric before going into orbit, or with the help of material they will shield spacesuits and space stations.
Military technology
4D printing will be used in the chemical field and in the study of materials science for the defense industry. 4D-printer allows you to print new biochemical sensors, materials and accessories for chips.
Reference! Now progress is being hindered by the lack of inexpensive devices that can print objects with high resolution (about 1000 times thinner than human hair).
Use in medicine
Surgeons from Shaanxi, China, have successfully performed complex surgery on the trachea using 4D printing technology. They installed a tracheal stent for the patient, which allowed them to keep their respiratory organs open. For the manufacture of the stent, the biological material polycaprolactone, which dissolves with time, was used - degradation in the human body takes three years. Surgeons previously calculated the dissolution time of the printed stent, and the patient will not need to perform a special removal operation.
A similar case occurred in America. Garrett Peterson was born with bronchomalacia when the joints are very soft.
It is possible that new biomaterials printed on a 4D printer will very soon go far beyond the pathology of the respiratory system. Already conducting research in terms of facial recovery.
In general, many scientists who work in the field of 4D printing predict the rapid growth of objects and biomaterials of the modern printing method within 5-6 years
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