4D Printing

The prototype print nozzle, with its flexible pneumatic actuators

3D Printing

Morphing nozzle controls fiber orientation in 3D-printed items

The embedding of fibers within 3D-printed objects can be used to add properties such as electrical conductivity or extra strength to those items. Now, a shape-changing print nozzle has been developed to vary the orientation of those fibers – as the printing is in process.

A Tornado aircraft has already flown with 3D -printed Parts

3D Printing

3D printing goes to war

From the bow to the bunker buster to the the hydrogen bomb, new technologies have changed the face of warfare, and 3D printing looks set to be just as revolutionary.

Professor Marc in het Panhuis (left) and PhD student Shannon Bakarich are building objects using 4D printing, where time is the fourth dimension (Photo: University of Wollongong)

3D Printing

New "4D-printing" material can change shape in hot water

Researchers at the University of Wollongong, Australia, have created a 3D printer-compatible hydrogel that is mechanically tough and able to repeatedly change shape in response to water temperature.