4D printed objects ‘make themselves’
March 1, 2013
Cube self-folding strand (credit: Self-Assembly Lab, MIT/Stratasys)
At the TED conference in Los Angeles, architect and computer scientist Skylar Tibbits showed how the process allows objects to self-assemble, BBC News reports.
It could be used to install objects in hard-to-reach places such as underground water pipes, he suggested.
It might also herald an age of self-assembling furniture, said experts.
Smart materials
“We’re proposing that the fourth dimension is time and that over time static objects will transform and adapt,” he told the BBC.
The process uses a specialized 3D printer made by Stratasys that can create multi-layered materials.
It combines a strand of standard plastic with a layer made from a “smart” material that can absorb water.
The water acts as an energy source for the material to expand once it is printed.
“The rigid material becomes a structure and the other layer is the force that can start bending and twisting it,” said Mr Tibbits. Such a process could in future be used to build furniture, bikes, cars and even buildings, he thinks.
Engineering software developer Autodesk, which collaborated on the project, is looking even further into the future. “Imagine a scenario where you go to Ikea and buy a chair, put it in your room and it self-assembles,” said Carlo Olguin, principal research scientist at the software firm.
The 4D printing concept draws inspiration from nature which already has the ability to self-replicate.
“The next stage for the research is to move from printing single strands to sheets and eventually whole structures.
Comments (13)
by Phil Osborn
And if you then require that two variations of the same object share their instruction dlls in a random mix before they can build the “copy”? A case of evolution in action?
by NakedApe
I don’t know, folks, but I assembled my own IKEA bed and it was a fun challenge and I had no problems whatsoever. All you have to do is to follow the instructions very carefully, step-by-step and enjoy the process.
by trakk
Take that…….3D printed objects!
by Helen Goodwin
Women like me who are not mechanically inclined will definetly buy furniture that assembles itself. I see great potential for Ikea to market this product. Lol!
by Gorden Russell
If it puts itself together I’ll finally buy some of that Swedish furniture. You know the company I mean, the one that was found to have horse meat in its meatballs.
by Gorden Russell
Oh yeah, Ikea, I had to go back and read the article again. Missed it the first time. Just having one of those “middle-age” moments.
by Amit
I don’t mean to denigrate the importance of this. It is a vital step in self-assembly, which is the ultimate form of fabrication. But calling it 4D is a gimmick. It is Time is always a function of any fabrication. Using the impugned reasoning would make normal printers 3D printers, which they are not.
by Robyn
Catchy gimmick though, I read the article.
by bob
probably the best reply I’ve ever read.
by bob
like to any topic
by Gabriel
That’s what I thought Amit….perhaps I need to look up more what exactly 4D means, but from my understanding, doesn’t it refer to things which are boundless? to space and, as you say, time? How could it then be 4D?
by Ralph Dratman
5D or 7D is even better, but you have to spend years learning the necessary mathematical techniques.
by GatorALLin
Always thought that metals that can remember or change shapes due to temperature changes or other triggers was cool and useful. This takes it to the next level. Can’t wait to see where/how they use this next. I would think it has some creative medical uses….