4DMesh - 4D Printing Morphing Non-Developable Mesh Surfaces

Explore a groundbreaking 20-minute conference talk on 4DMesh, a novel method for 4D printing and morphing non-developable mesh surfaces. Delve into the innovative combination of shrinking and bending thermoplastic actuators with customized geometric algorithms, enabling the creation of centimeter- to meter-sized functional surfaces. Learn about two end-to-end inverse design algorithms that allow users to input CAD models and generate printable files for flat sheets that morph into target surfaces when exposed to heat. Discover the potential applications of this technology in reducing shipping and packaging costs, as well as enabling customization of large non-developable structures. Examine functional artifacts showcasing the unique advantages of non-developable surfaces in aesthetics, mechanical strength, and geometric ergonomics. Gain insights into the future adaptation of this technique for customizing industrial molds. The talk covers the introduction, workflow, flattening process, comparisons, vision for the technology, and concludes with a Q&A session.