4D printing principles and manufacturing

Four-dimensional (4D)-printed smart materials and structures are engineered, complex-shaped mechanisms that behave by sensing external stimuli and responding by adapting to their environment, without any need for computerized control systems. These revolutionary products are no longer relegated to the realm of science fiction and have implications for 4D printing (4DP). This chapter overviews the first book in series, “Smart Materials and Structures: 4D Printing Principles and Manufacturing” and provides a preliminary information on 4D-printed smart materials and structures as well as their significance.