Skylar Tibbits created 4D printing in 2013. On May 28, 2018, the Antarctic bear learned from foreign media that his team at MIT's self-assembly laboratory released details of cooperation with BMW. The project will Assembly laboratory's 'Fast Liquid Printing' technology is used in the development of next-generation automotive interiors. So what is fast liquid printing technology?
Fast liquid printing
Through the cooperation with the British furniture and interior design company Steelcase in 2017, the self-assembly laboratory introduced rapid liquid printing. Rapid liquid printing takes place in a silicone drum in which needle-like nozzles eject continuous liquid ink when the ink is exposed. In the case of UV light, it is solidified. After that, the post-processing of the liquid printing part is relatively easy, it is only necessary to remove it from its silicone support groove.
Fast Liquid 3D Printing, Photo Source MIT Self Assembly Lab
Liquid printing pneumatic device
As an extension of the fast liquid printing method, the liquid print pneumatic device is the first 3D printed inflatable product that can be unfolded and deformed into almost any shape or function. Similar to a 4D print object, a liquid print pneumatic device is programmed through the design to be applied Presenting the desired shape when stimulated.
By changing each inflatable design, researchers can achieve varying degrees of flexibility and stiffness as needed.
At present, the liquid printing pneumatic device is just a concept, but as the automobile develops and adapts, it is easy to see how such an idea is applied to future vehicles.
Next-generation vehicles
For many people, the autonomous vehicle revolution is unavoidable. If it proves to be true, then the car interior will be more flexible and changeable than it is today.
In some concepts, cars will become more like 'mobile living space'.
Self-assembling laboratory inflated products can be particularly helpful in improving passenger comfort or in redesigning airbags.
As of November 4th, 2018, the liquid printing pneumatic device project will be exhibited at the British V&A Museum as part of the 'Future Beginning' exhibition.
