4D Textiles: Hybrid Textile Structures that Can Change Structural Form with Time by 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing combined with highly elastic, extensible textile materials provides the opportunity to explore a new range of materials: 4D textiles. The name is derived from “4D Printing”, a combination of 3D printing and a time change element, providing the fourth dimension. In the case of 4D textiles, the time response is necessary, but also the textile material provides a crucial role in responding to external stimuli. Whereas 4D printing is currently limited to very small deformations and very slow changes in time, 4D textiles offer the opportunity to increase deformation and response time. This paper covers the concepts of 4D printing, achievements in 3D printing, and the concept of 4D textiles. The role of materials, critical process parameters, critical textile processes, and potential application areas are presented. Strengths and weaknesses of 4D textiles are discussed.