4D printing is cooler than 3D printing, and why that means the end of IKEA flatpacks

By Nicky Phillips
Updated April 29 2015 - 1:14pm, first published April 21 2015 - 4:47pm
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape.
 Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape. Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape.
 Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape. Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape.
 Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape. Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape.
 Photo: Paul Jones
Professor Marc in het Panhuis holds a 4D printed valve that can change shape. Photo: Paul Jones

Just as you got used to the idea that toys, homewares, even guns can be built with 3D printers, the next phase is upon us. Researchers, including Australians, are already building objects with 4D printing, where time becomes the fourth dimension.

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