xlab Showcase 2022 - Interverse of Things

(Re)fix

Hitomi Kuboki +Yasuaki Kakehi


4D printing, in which the shape changes in response to external stimuli, has been attracting attention as a manufacturing method. However, most of the existing methods have limitations such as one-time deformation and continuous external stimuli to maintain the shape. In this research, we propose a new method for designing objects that can be repeatedly deformed by external stimuli with sufficient solidity. Specifically, an object that is rigid at room temperature deforms when heated to about 40°C and retains its shape at the time of deformation by removing heat. We present the recipe for the object and its applications that deform depending on the surrounding environment.