1. This paper is a review of the current materials available for 3D printing that enable the emergence of 4D printing, a ‘smart material’ that responds in a programmed way to an external stimuli.
2. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape memory alloys (SMAs) are discussed in detail, with their advantages and disadvantages outlined.
3. Potential applications of 4D printing are explored, such as deployable structures, antennas and medical supplies.
The article “Additive Manufacturing – A Review of 4D Printing and Future Applications” is an informative overview of the current state of additive manufacturing technology and its potential applications in various industries. The article provides a comprehensive review of the different 3D printing techniques available, as well as discussing shape memory polymers (SMPs) and shape memory alloys (SMAs). It also explores potential applications for 4D printing, such as deployable structures, antennas and medical supplies.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy; it provides detailed information on the various 3D printing techniques available, as well as discussing SMPs and SMAs in depth. The article also provides examples of potential applications for 4D printing which demonstrate its potential uses in various industries.
However, there are some areas where the article could be improved upon. For example, while it does provide an overview of SMPs and SMAs, it does not discuss any other types of smart materials which could be used for 4D printing or any other potential applications for these materials beyond those mentioned in the article. Additionally, while the article does provide some examples of potential applications for 4D printing, it does not explore any possible risks associated with using this technology or any counterarguments to its use. Furthermore, while the article does provide some information on how SMPs can be activated by light or magnetism rather than heat alone, it does not discuss any other methods which could be used to activate these materials or any other possible stimuli which could be used to trigger their transformation.
In conclusion, overall this article is reliable and trustworthy; however there are some areas where it could be improved upon by providing more detailed information on other types of smart materials which could be used for 4D printing or exploring possible risks associated with using this technology or counterarguments to its use.