Researchers at the Morphing Matter Lab at the University of California Berkley developed a technique to create self-assembling 3D printed objects that move into a new shape when placed in hot water.
The process utilised PLA and TPU layers to guide the deformation of the model by creating stresses within the print.
When the item is heated beyond the glass transition temperature of the polymer, the stresses relax and move the joints in the desired direction.
CNC Kitchen used Hilbert curve infill to create relatively stress-free sections, enabling the creation of flat sides that could be used for hinges.
The team noted that the objects could be reheated, reshaped and would still exhibit shape memory when placed in hot water again.
