Your Payment Information Is Processed Securely. We Do Not Store Credit Card Details Nor Have Access To Your Credit Card Information.
4D printing builds upon traditional 3D additive manufacturing by introducing the dimension of time. The printed object can dynamically change its shape, property, or functionality over time when exposed to specific external environmental stimuli.
While 3D printing creates static 3D structures (X, Y, Z), 4D printing incorporates dynamic reconfigurability (X, Y, Z + Time) driven by smart material responses.
4D printed structures automatically transform under precise environmental triggers such as heat, light, moisture, magnetic fields, or chemical pH changes.
Eliminates the need for complex mechanical motors or sensors, allowing components to self-assemble, actuate, or adapt directly in response to ambient conditions.
By engineering internal stress distribution and molecular anisotropy during printing, material transformation pathways can be precisely pre-programmed.
The fundamental mechanism of 4D printing relies on reversible molecular network transitions, internal strain locking during processing, and controlled energy release upon activation.
The shape memory polymer (SMP) is extruded via 3D printing into an initial permanent shape ($S_0$). Internal molecular networks are structured according to the toolpath.
The printed body is heated above its Glass Transition Temperature ($T_g$) or Melting Temperature ($T_m$), making polymer chains flexible for mechanical deformation into a temporary shape ($S_1$).
While holding the external force, the temperature is dropped below $T_g$. The secondary physical crosslinks freeze, locking internal stress and fixing the temporary shape ($S_1$).
Upon re-heating above $T_g$, locked internal strain energy is triggered, allowing molecular chains to recoil and rapidly recover the original permanent shape ($S_0$).
eSUN leverages decades of polymer synthesis expertise to formulate advanced Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) tailored for additive manufacturing, combining precise thermal sensitivity with structural stability.
eSUN's thermo-responsive 4D printing materials feature customizable thermal transition windows ($T_g$ tuning from $35^\circ\text{C}$ to $80^\circ\text{C}$), enabling safe actuation at human body temperature or industrial thermal triggers.
Engineered switching temperatures ($T_g$) allow targeted deployment—from body-temperature bio-medical splints ($37^\circ\text{C}$) to high-temp industrial actuators ($70^\circ\text{C}+$)
Optimized molecular weight distribution yields robust mechanical force restoration during shape recovery, capable of lifting auxiliary payloads.
Sustained shape memory characteristics across multiple deformation-recovery cycles with minimal degradation in shape recovery ratio.
Through innovative copolymerization, elastomeric blending, and nanofiller reinforcement, eSUN enhances thermal conductivity and mechanical resilience across its 4D material line.
| Modification Technique | Chemical / Physical Strategy | Performance Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Polycaprolactone (PCL) Copolymerization | Soft-segment and hard-segment block ratio optimization | Delivers precise low-temperature actuation ($45^\circ\text{C} - 55^\circ\text{C}$) with exceptional ductility. |
| PLA-based Smart Composites | Bio-based polyester modifications with toughening agents | Ensures eco-friendly bio-compatibility paired with high tensile strength and rigid temporary shape locking. |
| Conductive / Functional Fillers | Integration of functional carbon materials or thermal fillers | Enables indirect thermal actuation via Joule heating (electro-thermal response) or rapid heat dispersion. |
Achieving predictable 4D deformation requires seamless synergy between raw material characteristics, 3D slicing toolpaths, and precise thermal processing parameters.
Configuring raster angles ($0^\circ/90^\circ$, concentric, or custom vector lines) stores pre-strained directional forces into extruded filaments during deposition.
Controlling nozzle temperature and chamber cooling rates ensures consistent internal stress distribution without premature thermal relaxation.
Dual-extrusion printing combining rigid non-responsive filaments (e.g., ePLA) with shape memory materials (e4D) creates self-bending thermal hinges and bi-layer actuators.
eSUN 4D printing filaments undergo rigorous testing to guarantee exceptional shape fixity, swift shape recovery, and persistent mechanical integrity.
| Performance Metric | eSUN 4D Filament Standard | Test Method / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Shape Fixity Rate ($R_f$) | ≥ 98.0% | Fixed at $25^\circ\text{C}$ after $65^\circ\text{C}$ deformation |
| Shape Recovery Rate ($R_r$) | ≥ 97.5% | Triggered in $60^\circ\text{C} - 70^\circ\text{C}$ water bath |
| Response / Recovery Speed | 5 – 15 seconds | Dependent on specimen thickness ($1.0 - 3.0\text{ mm}$) |
| Tensile Strength (Original) | 45 – 60 MPa | ISO 527 / ASTM D638 ($23^\circ\text{C}$) |
| Elongation at Break ($T > T_g$) | > 250% | Tested at $65^\circ\text{C}$ rubbery state |
| Cyclic Durability | > 50 Cycles | Deformation/recovery cycle with < 3% loss in $R_r$ |
eSUN 4D material technologies unlock groundbreaking possibilities across medical, consumer, aerospace, and soft robotics sectors.
Flat-printed finger splints, wrist braces, or dynamic orthoses that soften in warm water, mold perfectly to patient anatomy, and lock securely upon cooling.
Thermally actuated mechanical grippers and dynamic valves that expand or contract in response to ambient heat, eliminating electrical wires and motors.
Flat-packed components designed to self-fold into complex 3D shapes during shipping or deployment, drastically reducing transport volume and assembly costs.
Adaptive shoe insoles, dynamic dynamic ventilation mesh, and wearable apparel accessories that adjust rigidity or airflow based on body temperature.
| Industry Field | Typical Application Case | eSUN Material Value Add |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Rehabilitation | Patient-specific thermo-formable splints and casts | Allows quick re-molding, lightweight comfort, dynamic tension adjustments, and eco-friendly compostability. |
| Smart Industrial Hardware | Thermal indicator latches and self-sealing gaskets | Provides reliable passive mechanical action triggered purely by ambient heat over-temperature warnings. |
| Education & Research | 4D STEM educational kits & material science research | Accessible, easy-to-print FDM filament enabling hands-on teaching of shape memory polymer physics. |
From initial material concept formulation to mass manufacturing of stable printing filaments, eSUN leads the commercialization of smart 4D materials.
eSUN's specialized 4D product line offers accessible, reliable shape-memory properties standard user FDM printers can utilize without complex hardware modifications.
Ultra-low transition temperature ($45^\circ\text{C}-55^\circ\text{C}$) filament ideal for direct skin-contact medical splints, modeling, and rapid manual post-forming.
Combines standard PLA ease-of-printing with modified shape memory response ($60^\circ\text{C}-65^\circ\text{C}$), providing high stiffness at room temperature.
Tailored OEM formulations integrating custom triggers (e.g., photo-responsive, electro-conductive, or radiopaque additives) upon client request.
eSUN's dedicated R&D division collaborates with leading global universities and polymer research institutes to maintain cutting-edge IP protection in smart materials.