# Self-Folding 4D-Printed Objects Carnegie Mellon University Uses Heat to Instill Change in Objects By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-05-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4dprinted-objects References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/04/29/4d-printed-flat-pack-furniture-of-the-future-assembled-heat-carnegie-mellon-university/) & [morphingmatter.cs.cmu.edu](http://morphingmatter.cs.cmu.edu/thermorph/) Researchers from the Morphing Matter Lab at [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-knitting-machine1) are working with 4D-printed objects to create a technique that will allow for [flat-pack furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tsubomi) to be assembled with heat alone. So far, the project is in its early stages. The academics have figured out a way for small "[4D-printed plastic objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/programmable-clothing) [to] fold themselves into predetermined shapes when heated." The project's name is 'Thermorph' and is based on what-is-considered a flaw in the 3D printing practice. The researchers have created three objects — a rose, a bot and a bunny, using an inexpensive FDM printer. The Morphing Matter Lab uses design-thinking to turn a flaw into an advantage, as it harnesses the activity of warpage — a defect in 3D that can occur after printing. If the researchers can develop the 4D-printed objects, they have the potential of creating a highly innovative and no-stress furniture assemblage technique. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **4D Printing:** The development of self-folding 4D-printed objects presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in manufacturing and product assembly. - **Heat-activated Technology:** Advancements in using heat to instill change in objects open up possibilities for disruptive innovation in various industries, including furniture manufacturing and packaging. - **Design-thinking Approach:** The use of design-thinking to turn a flaw in 3D printing into an advantage creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in materials science and product design. ### Where This Applies - **Manufacturing:** The self-folding 4D-printed objects can revolutionize manufacturing processes, offering efficient and cost-effective assembly methods. - **Furniture:** The heat-activated technology can disrupt the furniture industry by enabling easy and hassle-free assembly of flat-pack furniture. - **Packaging:** Advancements in 4D printing and heat-activated technology can lead to innovative packaging solutions that self-assemble or adapt to different shapes and sizes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econitwood.md) - [3D Automated Knitting Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-knitting-machine1.md) - [Digital Glass Design Breakthroughs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g3dp-2.md) - [Liquid Metal 3D-Printing Techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-metal-printing.md) - [3D-Printed Organization Stationary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-hopkins.md) - [3D Glass Printing Methods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complex-glass-structures.md) - [3D-Printable Packaging Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material.md) - [Voice-Led Fabrication Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speech-to-reality.md) - [Comfy Printed Component Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-chair-design.md)