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Following the development of 3D printing, 4D printing is attracting growing interest within the research community. By incorporating smart materials capable of responding to stimuli such as heat, humidity, or light, this technology opens the door to components that can change their shape or properties over time.

Potential applications are numerous, ranging from adaptive aerospace components and medical devices to smart textiles and building elements capable of responding to environmental conditions.

In an article published in Magazine MCI, the Carrefour québécois de la fabrication additive (CQFA) provides insights into the potential of this technology and the challenges currently limiting its industrial adoption.

Interviewed for the article, Fanny Charreteur, CQFA Coordinator, emphasizes that 4D printing should be viewed as a complement to 3D printing rather than a technology intended to replace it. Despite promising research advances, material maturity, development costs, and industrialization challenges remain significant barriers for Québec manufacturers.

This perspective aligns with CQFA’s mission: to monitor technological advances in additive manufacturing, promote knowledge transfer, and support companies in identifying solutions tailored to their industrial needs.

Read the full article in Magazine MCI to learn more about the potential of 4D printing, ongoing research in Québec, and the future prospects of this emerging technology.

Read the article