4D Printing Market Overview, Restraints and Drive growth in R&D Investment, 2021-2028

 

4D Printing

4D Printing Technology is the addition of the fourth dimension (4D) to the third dimension (3D). The produced 3D item may alter its shape by itself under the effect of external stimuli such as heat, light, electricity, magnetic field, and others thanks to 4D. 4D printing refers to the capacity of items to change their structure over time by utilising the behaviour of various materials, and it does not require human interaction. Furthermore, the growing need for flexible products in a variety of applications, including adaptable wind turbines, self-folding packaging, and others, has prompted the development of 4D printing.

During the projected period (2021–2028), the worldwide 4D printing market is predicted to increase significantly. During the projected period, the worldwide 4D printing market is predicted to rise due to growing demand for innovation in 3D printing applications and significant research and development. 4D technology is a more advanced variant of 3D technology that provides better quality, efficiency, and performance than traditional production procedures. 4D technology creates materials that can alter their behaviour and qualities in response to changes in temperature, pressure, and other factors.

According to Coherent Market Insights, The global 4D Printing Market was valued at US$ 82.6 Mn in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 625.6 Mn by 2028 at a CAGR of 29.4% between 2021 and 2028.

Due to the high level of competition, there is an increasing demand to reduce production and processing costs, which will fuel future market growth. Several businesses have begun to employ sophisticated 4D printing technology to create high-quality items for their customers. These 4D printing items offer lower manufacture, shipping, and handling costs, resulting in resource and effort savings and environmental sustainability.

For the purposes of this market analysis, 4D printing is defined as a technique in which the fourth dimension involves a change in shape or function following 3D printing of Programmable Material (PM). In other words, 4D printing allows items to be 3D printed and then self-transform in shape and material property when subjected to a pre-determined stimuli such as water, heat, pressure, electricity, ultraviolet light, or another source of energy. Programmable carbon fibre, programmable wood grain, and programmable textiles are the three material categories that make up the market. With a market share of 62 percent in 2019, the programmable carbon fibre category is predicted to be the greatest contributor to the entire market.

In the production process, 4D printing is projected to play a significant role. The printing method allows for 1D or 2D printing of programmable material, which then self-transforms into a 3D item according to the encoded programme. The increased need to lower manufacturing and processing costs while also ensuring a sustainable environment would fuel this expansion.

In the projected term, advances in Biofabrication technology will boost the 4D printing market. When external energy sources, such as pressure, heat, or energy, come into touch with this 3D printed smart material, it changes according to the program's instructions. 4D printing technology allows printed items to self-transform over time in this way. The development of medical and defence technology is being aided by technical developments in 4D printing. Doctors, for example, employ 4D printing to implant self-transforming components into the patient's body to reduce the number of operations required during surgery.