3D AND 4D PRINTING IN INDUSTRY 4.0: TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The manufacturing industry across the globe is accelerating at a rapid pace and 3D & 4D printing is the emerging technology in Industry 4.0 for automobile, aerospace and Biomedical products. Recent advances in Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as three-dimensional (3D)-printing, have allowed researchers to create complex shapes previously impossible using traditional fabrication methods. A research branch that originated from 3D-printing called four-dimensional (4D)-printing involves printing with smart materials that can respond to external stimuli. This paper provides a basic understanding of this upcoming paradigm of 3D/4D printing materials, technologies, and applications. The main objective of this chapter is to provide the current trends and innovations in the field of Additive Manufacturing and its potential in Industry 4.0.