10 September 2018

The fourth dimensions is time, says Florian Graichen talking on RNZ’s Our Changing World about new directions for new material and technology development.

4D objects and materials can change shape after manufacture. This can be on exposure to stimuli such as heat, humidity or wear. An example could be window shades that automatically open and close, depending on temperature or light intensity.

Florian and Marc Gaugler talk about Scion’s work developing bioplastics and bioplastic composites and using 3D printers for fast prototyping.

This work is being carried out under spearhead project (which Scion leads) Additive manufacturing and 3D and/or 4D printing of bio-composites under the Materials, Manufacturing and Applications portfolio of the National Science Challenge Science for Technological Innovation.

• Watch a 3D/4D object in action (video courtesy of SfTI)