{"id":33151,"date":"2025-06-06T07:48:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T12:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/?p=33151"},"modified":"2025-06-06T07:48:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T12:48:52","slug":"frisco-public-4d-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tsl.texas.gov\/ld\/librarydevelopments\/2025\/06\/06\/frisco-public-4d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Frisco Public Library Boldly Ventures into 4D Printing and STEM Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Frisco Public Library<\/a> has long been a trailblazer when it comes to emerging technologies, from 3D printing to award-winning, take-home tech kits for patrons to play around with AI. Now, they\u2019ve added another \u201cdimension\u201d with their first public class on 4D printing, a cutting-edge field that fuses fabrication with time-based transformations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is 4D Printing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, 4D printing takes it a step further by adding time as a functional element. In essence, these printed objects are designed to morph, fold, or reshape themselves over time in response to environmental stimuli like heat or magnetic fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny 3D printer can be a 4D printer,\u201d explains Thomas Finley, Adult Services Manager at Frisco Public Library. \u201cBut conceptually it changes when you start adding hinges or elements that move. It becomes something dynamic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of 4D printing may sound futuristic, but its real-world applications are already here. From soft robotics to minimally invasive medical tools, 4D printing is revolutionizing how we think about design.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Assistant Professor Xinyi Xiao teaches patrons how to create designs for 4D Printing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A Partnership with UNT Brings STEM to the Public<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The library recently teamed up with Xinyi Xiao, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Texas, to introduce 4D printing to the community. Xiao, who specializes in wearable tech and soft robotics, proposed leading a public class that could break down barriers to STEM access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xiao has a personal connection because her mother took ESL classes at the Frisco Public Library. \u201cShe got a lot of help there,\u201d Xiao says. \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful place. I wish I had something like this growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost learners\u2014especially teenagers\u2014don\u2019t have access to 3D or 4D printing,\u201d says Xiao. \u201cThis class was about providing that opportunity and learning about new tech in a public setting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The class, hosted at the Frisco Public Library, brought in 30 to 35 attendees, including entire families. Using tools like Tinkercad and basic thermoplastics, participants learned how to create simple, time-responsive models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou print one flat geometry, and then apply hot water or a magnetic field to change its shape,\u201d Xiao explained. \u201cIt\u2019s low-cost and easy to learn for beginners, and it makes them want to learn more about technology and design.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Foundation of Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Frisco Public Library has been building toward this moment for years. Since launching 3D printing services in 2015\u2014with over 160 self-service uses a month across three machines\u2014the library has steadily grown its maker technology offerings. Their laser cutters and vinyl cutters remain popular, but it\u2019s their adaptability and willingness to experiment that stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c4D printing is about thinking differently,\u201d says Finley. \u201cIt\u2019s taking what we already do with maker technology and reimagining it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even when the inaugural 4D class faced challenges\u2014like a larger-than-expected group of 25+ students\u2014library staff saw it as a valuable learning experience. \u201cWe might have bit off more than we could chew,\u201d Finley laughs, \u201cbut it was well received, and that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Bigger Picture: AI, Accessibility, and Lifelong Learning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

4D printing is just one aspect of Frisco Public Library\u2019s broader commitment to technology education and accessibility. The library began offering AI-related programming back in 2018, winning an Urban Libraries Council (ULC) award in 2019 for its innovation in AI, including DIY AI kits funded by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, their programming has expanded into areas like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n