4D Printing: A Revolution towards Sustainable Future

The manufacturing process is one of the main fields in Mechanical Engineering. Additive manufacturing has revolutionized this process. Furthermore, the invention of 4D printing is derived from 3D printing by adding a time dimension to the manufactured product. This makes the manufactured product respond to external stimuli and change its shape as time goes by. This process is still in its infant stages but the results shown by it in this stage are astonishing. It proves that this technology will surely drive the future of the manufacturing domain as well as the material sciences. In this paper, we discuss the history of 4D printing, the material required for the process, the difference between 3D printing and 4D printing, current trends with market potential, applications, and the future scope of this technology. Also, the advantages, challenges faced and the potential of this technology is reviewed. As well as its impact on the sustainability of the environment and industries using the process are mentioned.