Dr. Hideo Kodama is worldly recognized as the father of 3D printing. In the early 80s, he came up with a layer-by-layer approach to manufacturing while seeking a fast-prototyping method. In short, 3D printing consists of creating a three-dimensional object by printing it through a computer-created design. It\u2019s also known as additive manufacturing, which involves building material layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 90s saw increased technologies, up to our days when 3D printers became available to the general public. Yet, the progress doesn\u2019t stop, as a new development is arising: 4D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s the process through which a 3D-printed object transforms its shape over the influence of external factors such as temperature, light, or other external stimuli. In other words, they work as a kind of active origami that can change their structure if heated. It\u2019s worth mentioning that 4D printing is an evolution of 3D printing; it wouldn\u2019t exist without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only difference is having one more \u201cD,\u201d \u2013 which stays for dimension. So, what dimension are we talking about? Easier than you would expect, time. In fact, 4D printing is often referred to as 3D printing transforming over time. A 4D-printed object can change shape depending on external conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n