4D printed self-assembling objects by MIT + stratasys

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Feb 27, 2013

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forget 3D printing - MIT's 4D printed self-assembling objects are the future

as the technologies in 3D printing progress over time, new scientific breakthroughs leading to the discoveries
of organs printed from regenerative cells and bio-engineered body parts will become a thing of the past.
seeing the potential in self-assembling forms, MIT researcher skylar tibbits and team from minneapolis-based
stratasys have worked together to develop a method of 4D printing programmable entities that self-actuate on
their own - much the way a strand of DNA zips itself together. the new rapid-protoyping technique entails
multi-material prints with the added capability of embedding transformative information from one shape to another.

instead of printing out a complete object, the 4D method creates a long string of multiple materials -
which then fold and convert into various shapes when placed in water, activating the morphing process.
engineered with different properties at the particle level within the 3D geometry - software allows for simulated
self-assemblies, optimizing design constraints and joint folding. it is the idea that this technology can be
implemented not only into small-scale projects, but used in the future construction of architectural projects
such as skyscrapers, buildings or even housing on the moon.

4D printing: cube self-folding strand
video courtesy skylar tibbits

4D printed cubes

4D printing: MIT self-folding strand
video courtesy skylar tibbits

self-folding sheets: hyperbolic paraboloid
video courtesy skylar tibbits

rodrigo db

02.27.13

3D printing (14 articles)

mind.. blown.
this is great forward thinking… maybe useful 50 years from now when labor will become prohibitively expensive

not quintin says:

Feb 27, 2013

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