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All 4 Flashcards — 4D printing
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Question
What is 4D printing?
Answer
3D printing with a material whose physical or chemical state changes over time in response to an external stimulus — pH, temperature, water or light.
Question
How does a shape memory polymer work?
Answer
Printed in its permanent shape, warmed and deformed into a temporary one, then cooled so the chains lock. A stimulus lets them move again and it returns to the printed shape.
Question
Give two 4D printing applications with their stimulus.
Answer
A vascular stent that opens at body temperature; a drug capsule that opens at intestinal pH; flat-pack that folds when wetted; shading that closes in direct light.
Question
What are the limits of 4D printing today?
Answer
Few materials, high cost, poor recyclability, changes that are usually one-way or repeatable only a few times, and products that are hard to test, certify and trust.
Read the notes
Full study notes for 4D printing
Topic 4.1 hub
Manufacturing techniques
More from Topic 4.1
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Design Technology exam skills
Paper structures & tips
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