4D Printing A-line

In this video, we showcased "A-line", a 4D printing system for designing and fabricating morphing three-dimensional shapes out of simple linear elements. A-line integrates a method of bending angle control in up to eight directions for one printed line segment, using a single type of thermoplastic material. A software platform to support the design, simulation and tool path generation is developed to support the design and manufacturing of various A-line structures. The video showcases the design space of A-line, including the unique properties of line sculpting, the suitability for compliant mechanisms and the ability to travel through narrow spaces and self-deploy or self-lock on site.