New Trends in 4D Printing: A Critical Review

In a variety of industries, Additive Manufacturing has revolutionized the whole design–fabrication cycle. Traditional 3D printing is typically employed to produce static components, which are not able fulfill dynamic structural requirements and inappropriate for applications such as soft grippers, self-assembly systems, smart actuators. To address this limitation, an innovative technology emerged, known “4D printing”. It processes materials by using fabricating structures that can be reconfigured applying different inputs, heat, humidity, magnetism, electricity, light, etc. At present, 4D still growing technology, it presents numerous challenges regarding materials, design, simulation, fabrication processes, applied strategies, reversibility. work critical review technologies, provided.