Colloquia

Summary

Additive manufacturing (AM) is known for creating complex geometries that offer benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. However, printed parts remain static which limits their application in dynamic environments. 4D printing addresses this by using smart materials that change shape in response to external stimuli. This research explores multi-material 4D printing of flexible, magneto-responsive structures using direct ink writing (DIW). Because of its flexibility and compatibility with magnetic particles, silicone was determined to be the most appropriate material. The study focused on optimizing four DIW fundamentals: material formulation, printer setup, slicer settings, and design guidelines. The effectiveness of this methodology was validated by the successful printing of soft robots that demonstrate locomotion in a rotating magnetic field. Although printed actuators show slight defects, their performance was comparable to that of their moulded counterparts. The study highlights DIW’s potential for 4D printing but shows current limitations in dispensing highly viscous materials like silicone.