HORUS4D – Hierarchical Orchestrated Responsive Unfolding Systems enabled by multi-material 4D printing

The research conducted within the framework of the HYMARC PhD project, integrated into the HORUS4D project, aims to develop architectured hygromorphic biocomposites (HBCs) through 4D printing by hybridizing fused filament fabrication (FFF) and automated fiber placement (AFP).
The HYMARC PhD project seeks to overcome a new scientific and technological challenge by extending the knowledge gained in 4D printing of hygromorphic biocomposites to larger-scale structures, while leveraging the complementary capabilities of AFP and FFF processes. The hybridization of these manufacturing technologies will enable the development of novel multiscale architectures, improved control over morphing mechanisms, and enhanced functionalities of the resulting structures, with a view to high-value-added applications in the defense sector.

HORUS4D is a £2.2M consortium comprising six academic institutions in the UK and France dedicated to advancing #4Dprinting technologies, involving on the 🇬🇧 side the University of Bristol (Fabrizio Scarpa and Charles de Kergariou), The University of Edinburgh (Francisca Martínez Hergueta and team) and Nottingham Trent University (Mahdi Bodaghi and team). From the 🇫🇷 side, partners involve UTBM (Frédéric DEMOLY), the BIONICS Group by IRDL – Biomimicry for Innovative Composite Materials (Antoine Le Duigou) and INSA Lyon – Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (Pierre-Jean Cottinet).