Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Jenish Patoliya, Kanaksinh Vala, Mahesh Makwana and Piyush Moradiya

Abstract:
Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging additive manufacturing technique which is an extension of 3D printing. In 4D printing, structures can change their shape and function over time in response to external stimuli such as water, temperature, pH and light. 4D printing is still in its nascent stage, and its application in the food industry is limited. The main factors composing 4D printing technology are software, printing ink, 3D printers, and stimulus. The most common stimulant used in 4D printing is temperature and microwaves have a significant impact on 4D objects' shape-changing behavior. In this review, we give an overview of the software, printer, printing ink and stimuli used for 4D printing and summarise the rheological effect on the printing ink and the current application of 4D food printing based on physical changes over time due to hydration and dehydration.