Mane Engineering Issue 11 - December 2018 | Page 14

It is clear that with 3D printing we are in the midst of a new technological era where almost anything can be replicated at the touch of a button. Newcastle University managed to 3D print a functioning cornea for eyes in May this year.

3D printing is all the rage at the moment and because of that, the future and next technological advancement is presumably 4D printing. This is already in place and its uses are already being examined. The difference between 3D and 4D printing? Not too much. With 4D printing, the printed item is able to transform itself, change shape or function by the input of an energy source such as heat, water, wind,

gas, etc.

It is exciting times in the printing world at the moment, with 3D printing to hopefully soon become as common as a standard ink printer.

For all you know – your standard printer might have been 3D printed too…

What is 4D Printing?

Watch below.

14 | MANE MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING | DECEMBER 2018