Indian Researchers Develop 4D-Printed Artificial Blood Vessels for Advanced Medical Grafts | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Indian Researchers Develop 4D-Printed Artificial Blood Vessels for Advanced Medical Grafts

Posted 22 Aug 2024

2 min read

About 4D printing

  • 4D printing evolves from 3D printing by adding the dimension of time. 
    • 3D printing, or Additive Manufacturing, constructs a three-dimensional object from a digital model by adding material layer by layer, unlike subtractive manufacturing, which cuts away material from a solid block.
  • 4D printed objects can change shape or function over time in response to environmental stimuli such as heat, light, or moisture etc. 
A diagram illustrating the differences between 2D printing, 3D printing, and 4D printing. On the left, 2D printing shows a flat star; in the center, 3D printing depicts a raised star; on the right, 4D printing shows a star shape transforming due to external stimuli.

Applications:

  • Medical Application: Drug delivery, tissue fabrication, and organ regeneration etc.
  • Soft Robotics: Due to its Flexibility, deformability with respect to Environment.  
  • Aerospace: By enabling low-cost, durable parts that adapt to extreme conditions. E.g. Nitinol alloy manufacturing. 
  • Others: sensors and flexible electronics, active origami art, self-evolving structures etc. 

Advantages: 

  • Dynamic Functionality: By creating adaptive structures beyond the capabilities of traditional 3D printing.
  • Material Efficiency: By reducing wastages.
  • Complex Design fabrication: Stereo lithography 4D technique fabricates complex designs efficiently.

Challenges: 

  • Unavailability of Technologies: Limited to few research institutes in the world
  • Material Limitations: For e.g. Degradation issues on continuous deformation. 

 

4D printing advances 3D printing by enabling dynamic, continued material innovation and broader adoption are crucial for unlocking its full potential.

  • Tags :
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • 4d printing
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