SpringerLink
Log in

Programming time-dependent behavior in 4D printing by geometric and printing parameters

  • Published:
Advances in Manufacturing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Smart structures realize sequential motion and self-assembly through external stimuli. With the advancement of four-dimensional (4D) printing, the programming of sequential motions of smart structures is endowed with more design and manufacturing possibilities. In this research, we present a method for physically programming the timescale of shape change in 4D-printed bilayer actuators to enable the sequential motion and self-assembly of smart structures. The effects of the geometric and printing parameters on the time-dependent behavior of 4D-printed bilayer actuators are investigated. The results show that the thickness of the active layer directly affects the timescale of motion, and increasing the thickness leads to faster motion until the thickness ratio is close to 4:6. Similarly, a higher printing speed results in faster motion. Conversely, a higher printing temperature and a greater layer height result in a slower shape change. The effects of the length-width ratio, line width, and filling ratio on the timescale of motion are not as straightforward. Finally, we demonstrate several smart structures that exhibit sequential motion, including a labyrinth-like self-folding structure that is choreographed to achieve multi-step self-sha** and a flower-shaped structure where each part completes its movement sequentially to avoid collisions. The presented method extends the programmability and functional capabilities of 4D printing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Germany)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

Reference

  1. Lendlein A, Behl M, Hiebl B et al (2010) Shape-memory polymers as a technology platform for biomedical applications. Expert Rev Med Dev 7(3):357–379

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Maidin S, Wee KJ, Sharum MA et al (2023) A review on 4D additive manufacturing—the application, smart materials & effect of various stimuli on 4D printed objects. J Teknol 85(8):63–71

    Google Scholar 

  3. Aldawood FK (2023) A comprehensive review of 4D printing: state of the arts, opportunities, and challenges. Actuators 12(3):101. https://doi.org/10.3390/act12030101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Carrell J, Gruss G, Gomez E (2020) Four-dimensional printing using fused-deposition modeling: a review. Rapid Prototy** J 26(5):855–869

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Sharma S, Chhetry A, Zhang SP et al (2021) Hydrogen-bond-triggered hybrid nanofibrous membrane-based wearable pressure sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity over a broad pressure range. ACS Nano 15(3):4380–4393

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Wu HZ, Zhang X, Ma Z et al (2020) A material combination concept to realize 4D printed products with newly emerging property/functionality. Adv Sci 7(9):1903208. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201903208

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Wang X, **a Z, Zhao C et al (2020) Microstructured flexible capacitive sensor with high sensitivity based on carbon fiber-filled conductive silicon rubber. Sensor Actuat A-Phys 312:112147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2020.112147

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Kurakula M, Koteswara Rao GSN (2020) Moving polyvinyl pyrrolidone electrospun nanofibers and bioprinted scaffolds toward multidisciplinary biomedical applications. Eur Polym J 136:109919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109919

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Tao R, Ji L, Li Y et al (2020) 4D printed origami metamaterials with tunable compression twist behavior and stress-strain curves. Compos Part B-Eng 201:108344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Zeng S, Feng Y, Gao Y et al (2022) Layout design and application of 4D-printing bio-inspired structures with programmable actuators. Bio-Des Manuf 5(1):189–200

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Stuart MAC, Huck WTS, Genzer J et al (2010) Emerging applications of stimuli-responsive polymer materials. Nat mater 9(2):101–113

    Article  ADS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Sun L, Huang WM, Ding Z et al (2012) Stimulus-responsive shape memory materials: a review. Mater Des 33:577–640

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Gladman SA, Matsumoto EA, Nuzzo RG et al (2016) Biomimetic 4D printing. Nat mater 15(4):413–418

    Article  ADS  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Deng D, Chen Y (2015) Origami-based self-folding structure design and fabrication using projection based stereolithography. J Mech Des 137(2):021701. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4029066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Peraza-Hernandez EA, Hartl DJ, Malak RJ Jr (2013) Design and numerical analysis of an SMA mesh-based self-folding sheet. Smart Mater Struct 22(9):094008. https://doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/22/9/094008

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  16. Le Duigou A, Castro M, Bevan R et al (2016) 3D printing of wood fibre biocomposites: from mechanical to actuation functionality. Mater Des 96:106–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Teoh JEM, Zhao Y, An J et al (2017) Multi-stage responsive 4D printed smart structure through varying geometric thickness of shape memory polymer. Smart Mater Struct 26(12):125001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/aa908a

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  18. Correa D, Pop**a S, Mylo MD et al (2020) 4D pine scale: biomimetic 4D printed autonomous scale and flap structures capable of multi-phase movement. Philos T R Soc A 378(2167):20190445. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2019.0445

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Alshebly YS, Nafea M (2023) Effects of printing parameters on 4D-printed PLA actuators. Smart Mater Struct 32(6):064008. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/acd504

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  20. Wang J, Wang Z, Song Z et al (2019) Programming multistage shape memory and variable recovery force with 4D printing parameters. Adv Mater Technol 4(11):1900535. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.201900535

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Ghazal AF, Zhang M, Mujumdar AS et al (2022) Progress in 4D/5D/6D printing of foods: applications and R&D opportunities. Crit Rev Food Sci 63(25):7399–7422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Testoni O, Lumpe T, Huang JL et al (2021) A 4D printed active compliant hinge for potential space applications using shape memory alloys and polymers. Smart Mater Struct 30(8):085004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/ac01fa

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Bodaghi M, Damanpack AR, Liao WH (2016) Self-expanding/shrinking structures by 4D printing. Smart Mater Struct 25(10):105034. https://doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/25/10/105034

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Mao Y, Yu K, Isakov MS et al (2015) Sequential self-folding structures by 3D printed digital shape memory polymers. Sci Rep 5:13616. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep13616

    Article  ADS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Lai J, Ye X, Liu J et al (2021) 4D printing of highly printable and shape morphing hydrogels composed of alginate and methylcellulose. Mater Des 205:109699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109699

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Yamamura S, Iwase E (2021) Hybrid hinge structure with elastic hinge on self-folding of 4D printing using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. Mater Des 203:109605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109605

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Soleimanzadeh H, Rolfe B, Bodaghi M et al (2020) Closed-loop 4D-printed soft robots. Mater Des 188:108411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2019.108411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Zhou X, Ren L, Song Z et al (2023) Advances in 3D/4D printing of mechanical metamaterials: from manufacturing to applications. Compos Part B-Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Le Duigou A, Fruleux T, Matsuzaki R et al (2021) 4D printing of continuous flax-fibre based shape-changing hygromorph biocomposites: towards sustainable metamaterials. Mater Des 211:110158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.110158

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Demoly F, Dunn ML, Wood KL et al (2021) The status, barriers, challenges, and future in design for 4D printing. Mater Des 212:110193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.110193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Li X, Fan L, Li R et al (2023) 3D/4D printing of β-cyclodextrin-based high internal phase emulsions. J Food Eng 348:111455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2023.111455

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Yao T, Wang Y, Zhu B et al (2020) 4D printing and collaborative design of highly flexible shape memory alloy structures: a case study for a metallic robot prototype. Smart Mater Struct 30(1):015018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/abcc0a

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  33. Tahouni Y, Krüger F, Pop**a S et al (2021) Programming sequential motion steps in 4D-printed hygromorphs by architected mesostructure and differential hygro-responsiveness. Bioinspir Biomim 16(5):055002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/ac0c8e

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. El Magri A, Vaudreuil S, Ayad B et al (2023) Effect of printing parameters on tensile, thermal and structural properties of 3D-printed poly (ether ketone ketone) PEKK material using fused deposition modeling. J Appl Polym Sci 29(140):54078. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.54078

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Zeng S, Gao Y, Feng Y et al (2019) Programming the deformation of a temperature-driven bilayer structure in 4D printing. Smart Mater Struct 28(10):105031. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/ab39c9

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  36. Zeng S, Gao Y, Tan J et al (2022) Self-assembly by 4D printing: design and fabrication of sequential self-folding. In: Proceedings of the ASME conference on smart materials, adaptive structures and intelligent systems, Vol 86274, p V001T03A005. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2022-89459

  37. Timoshenko S (1925) Analysis of bi-metal thermostats. J Opt Soc Am 11(3):233–255

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Zeng S, Gao Y, Qiu H et al (2022) Design, fabrication and application of self-spiraling pattern-driven 4D-printed actuator. Sci Rep 12:18874. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23425-0

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Westbrook KK, Parakh V, Chung T et al (2010) Constitutive modeling of shape memory effects in semicrystalline polymers with stretch induced crystallization. J Eng Mater Technol 132(4):041010. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4001964

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52375272), the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Provincial (Grant No. LR22E050006), and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF (Grand No. GZB20230339).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People’s Republic of China

    Yi-Cong Gao, Dong-**n Duan & Jian-Rong Tan

  2. Institute of Manufacturing Engineering, Tsinghua University, Bei**g, 100084, People’s Republic of China

    Si-Yuan Zeng & Li-** Wang

  3. Hangzhou Innovation Institute, Beihang University, Hangzhou, 310052, People’s Republic of China

    Hao Zheng

Authors
  1. Yi-Cong Gao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dong-**n Duan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Si-Yuan Zeng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hao Zheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Li-** Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jian-Rong Tan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Si-Yuan Zeng.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Gao, YC., Duan, DX., Zeng, SY. et al. Programming time-dependent behavior in 4D printing by geometric and printing parameters. Adv. Manuf. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40436-024-00489-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40436-024-00489-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation