Review on advancements in 3D/4D printing for enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality

Three Dimensional and Four Dimensional (3D/4D) printing has widespread popularity because of its shape-changing capabilities in various applications. 3D Printing makes only stationary structured products whereas 3D/4D printing enables an object to change its configuration in response with different external stimuli. Researchers from many fields have examined an extensive array of 3D/4D printing using proofs-of-concept. In spite of a lot of efforts, needs more advancement in the structural quality and efficiency to satisfy significant industrial applications which ensure cost effective manufacturing. Thus, the intension of review exercise is to draw attention to the recent metamaterials, manufacturing methods, computational insights of creative and integrated design, and latest uses of 3D/4D printing. An overview of integrated computation design strategies and its contribution in enhancing efficient use of smart materials in vast applications also presented and concluded with the findings like systematically incorporating sustainability variables into cost-effectiveness analyses with recent advancements in additive manufacturing tailored with human material interaction aids industries to make informed decisions that align with economic goals. Future views are critically explored and encouraging the collaboration with fabrication methods directs research efforts in a way incorporating advanced 3D/4D product design methods that satisfy industry and customer demands.