"4D Printing" Research Group
In 4D printing, previously static, 3D-printed components are given the ability to change in form or function over time. To achieve this, special materials are required that enable such changes. At its core, 4D printing therefore involves the use of intelligent materials in additive manufacturing. These intelligent materials are also known as smart materials. The term “smart materials” refers to any material that responds to an external stimulus with a useful effect. Consequently, the properties of smart materials can be directly influenced by changing environmental factors. This can affect the shape, volume, color, tension, or other properties of the smart materials. Because of this characteristic, the use of smart materials forms the basis for 4D printing.
Future applications of 4D printing technology are anticipated in the medical field and in the field of soft robotics. Since the technology is currently still in a very early stage of development, it is expected that additional areas of application and potential will be explored and identified in the future.
The “4D Printing” research group is currently conducting experimental studies and simulations on the topic of “4D printing.” The focus regarding the smart materials used is currently on polymer materials and polymer composites with magnetic properties.
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Current Research Topics
Currently, the research focus is on magnetic polymer composites and magnetomechanical simulation. Here, materials consisting of an elastic polymer and embedded magnetic particles—such as neodymium particles—are investigated, tested, and simulated. To enable specific movements, key requirements for the material are first identified and experimentally examined. At the same time, the multiphysics simulation software COMSOL is used to simulate the execution of a specific movement in response to an external magnetic field. The insights gained are intended to enable the reliable implementation and simulation of specific, simple movements of the composite materials.
SoSe25: Additive Manufacturing Workshop for Students on 4D Printing of Soft Robots—Development, Design, and Fabrication of a Soft Robot in the Form of a Bionic Muscle
Final theses
If you're interested in writing a final thesis on "4D printing," please feel free to contact us! Just reach out to one of the contacts listed in the right-hand column.
Below are some interesting topics that would be suitable for a final thesis:
"Extending a 3D printer with a rotational axis for applications in 4D printing" (PDF), Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. S. Junk, start possible as early as the Winter Semester 25/26.
"Basic investigation of magnet-responsive materials in pellet 3D printing (PEM – Pellet Extrusion Modeling)" (PDF), contact: Daniel Kehret, M.Sc., start possible as early as the Winter/Spring semester 25/26. (PDF)
"Selection and Application of a Helmholtz Coil for Activating a Magnet-Responsive Soft Robot" (PDF), Contact: Daniel Kehret, M.Sc., Start possible as early as the Winter/Spring semester 25/26.
"Investigation of the Application and Magnetization of Magnet-Responsive Materials" (PDF), Contact: Daniel Kehret, M.Sc., Start possible as early as the Winter/Spring semester 25/26. (PDF)
"Development of a Measurement Method for the Magnetic Properties of a Material in Accordance with the IEC 60404 Standard" (PDF), Contact: Daniel Kehret, M.Sc., Start possible as early as the Winter/Spring semester 25/26.
Publications
You can find our publications on OPUS, the Hochschule Offenburg's institutional repository.
Team
