The so-called 4D printing, precisely a way to automatically deformable material, simply put it in the water, without connecting any complex mechanical and electrical equipment, according to product design will be able to automatically fold into the appropriate shape, and print the most critical 4D part is the shape memory alloy. At present, standing at the forefront of this technology is the pioneer founders of the self-assembly laboratory at MIT Skylar Tibbits, 4D print.

3D printing simply create three-dimensional objects, and 4D print object you need to use "smart materials" can be achieved, and by a variety of stimuli such as heat, water, current, sound or pressure activated. According to market research firm MarketsandMarkets in the latest market research report "material of 4D print market, end-user industries and geographies - Global Trends and Forecast, 2019-2025 (4D Printing Market by Material, End-User Industry & Geography - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2019 - in 2025), "that is expected by 2019, 4D printing market will reach $ 63 million, in 2025 will reach $ 555.6 million, 4D Printing is in a commercial edge.

The materials, such as carbon fiber programmable, programmable and programmable textiles, wood, MarketsandMarkets expects programmable carbon fiber will occupy the largest share of the entire 4D print materials market, the report says that by 2019 carbon fiber material will occupy 62% market share .

In addition, MarketsandMarkets represents the defense industry will be in the forefront of the whole 4D printing market growth in 2019 and the military-related applications will account for 55% of the market share, while the remaining shares will be vested in the aerospace field, and 3D Systems, Autodesk , ExOne, Hewlett-Packard, Organovo and Stratasys company, 4D printing market is expected to become a major player.