TYPE-X Inkjet 4D Print project
The “TYPE-X Inkjet 4D Print project” is an industry-academia collaboration project.
Inkjet 4D Print, developed by a research group led by The University of Tokyo Graduate School*1, is the world’s first technology that allows a sheet printed with an inkjet printer to automatically transform into any three-dimensional form when exposed to heat. The special heat-reactive base sheet transforms into a three-dimensional origami tessellation, digitally designed in advance, when placed in water of around 70 degrees Celsius.
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE introduced the TYPE-X Inkjet 4D Print project in 2024 as an installation in Paris, utilizing this innovative technology. The exhibition showcased prototypes of accessories formed from a single sheet, featuring diverse shapes, and garnered significant attention.
As a result of further exploration into the technological possibilities for production, the project’s first product, a beautifully shaped pair of earrings, has been realized. By applying heat to the sheet, the flat surface transforms into a three-dimensional form, revealing a precisely designed structure. This unique process, which allows for dynamic transformations, offers a fresh perspective along with a sense of surprise and joy, truly embodying a “four-dimensional” experience.
By incorporating Fujifilm Corporation’s high-brightness metallic inkjet techonology*2, silver, with a metallic-like appearance, is introduced alongside black, expanding the range of expression.
*1
A research group comprising of Project Assistant Professor Koya Narumi (currently Associate Professor at Keio University) and Professor Yoshihiro Kawahara from the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo; Professor Tomohiro Tachi of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo; Professor Takeo Igarashi of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo; Associate Professor Hiroki Sato of the School of Project Design, Miyagi University; Kai Suto of Nature Architects Inc.; and Masaaki Sugimoto of Elephantech Inc. This project was launched approximately five years ago for the development of inkjet 4D print technology. Since then, new research members have joined from Fujifilm Corporation.
Production support: C.I. TAKIRON Corporation, Kenshi Art INC.
*2
An inkjet printing technology that enables metallic printing with high luminance by precisely aligning particles using proprietary particle orientation technology developed in the photographic film field.
From Koya Narumi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University
In the digital fabrication field typified by 3D printing, a great deal of research is being done on 4D printing where printed material automatically transforms through some kind of stimulus, and self-folding techniques where origami folds on its own. The dynamic shapes of Issey Miyake garments are unparalleled, even when compared to cutting-edge technology, and were a major goal for us in advancing our research. While we realized a method for origami to fold itself into extremely difficult shapes, at the beginning of the collaboration, there were still many issues regarding durability, productivity, and design. The reason we can now show you this “simple research outcome” is because the team members undertook this project tenaciously, and more than anything, had fun doing so. I hope that everyone will enjoy exploring the various aspects of origami, including its form and lightness.
Koya Narumi
Koya Narumi, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Computer Science, Keio University, working as a principal investigator of the Programmable Products Lab. His research interests lie in human-computer interaction (HCI) and computational fabrication. In particular, he designs daily objects such as clothes, food, and mobility devices by distributing special materials and structures. He also fabricates them with digital fabrication tools such as inkjet printers and 3D printers to achieve novel user experiences.
From Masaaki Sugimoto, Co-Founder / Advisor, Elephantech Inc.
Elephantech uses inkjet-printed circuit boards to greatly reduce the environmental burden of manufacturing. Inkjet 4D Print started from exploring whether inkjet printing technology could replace the time-consuming sewing process while studying social issues in fashion. In the end, we realized this technology using thin plastic film instead of cloth, and as we advanced our research along with many colleagues, we were able to connect the technology to this project with ISSEY MIYAKE. In this collaboration, experts from different fields brought together and worked their respective amazing skills to create this outcome. I hope many people will share in this inspiring experience.
Elephantech Inc.
Elephantech Inc. leverages SustainaCircuits, its proprietary metal-inkjet-based printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing technology, to dramatically reduce environmental impact throughout the production process.
Committed to establishing SustainaCircuits as a new industry standard, Elephantech is driving widespread technology adoption through both in-house mass production and turnkey manufacturing solutions. With these efforts, the company is accelerating the electronics industry’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ultimately a net-zero future.
From Kai Suto, CEO, Nature Architects Inc.
In order to maximize the potential of Inkjet 4D Print which transforms flat printed material into all sorts of three-dimensional forms simply by applying heat, Nature Architects took on the design and pattern layout through computational design. The polygonal textile expression distinctive of origami and the silver color of Fujifilm’s high-brightness metallic inkjet technology fused together to create a brand new product. The sight of the printed material transforming itself as it was designed to do so with heat as if it were a living creature is sure to surprise and move many people.
Nature Architects Inc.
Nature Architects Inc. is a start-up originating from the University of Tokyo. It provides various manufacturers with design blueprints through cutting-edge design technology, which utilizes metamaterials to achieve functionalities that surpass conventional products. By achieving lightweighting manufacturing, cost reduction through parts consolidation/material substitution, improving recyclability, and enhancing functionality related to vibration, sound, deformation, and heat, Nature Architects strongly supports its clients in developing competitive products to cultivate new markets in the manufacturing industry.
From Orie Ito, Marking Technology Development Group, Graphic Communication Division, Fujifilm Corporation
Fujifilm participated in this innovative Inkjet 4D Print project, which transforms flat printed material into three-dimensional forms simply by placing them in hot water, from the perspective of decoration. Coming into contact with the sophisticated ideas and designs of ISSEY MIYAKE and having inspiring discussions with project members culminated in this experiential product. Overcoming difficult challenges of not spoiling the design and making it durable to heating and self-folding, I am delighted that we were able to discover the potential of high-brightness metallic inkjet technology in the world of accessories and other fashion. I hope that everyone will enjoy the colorful designs unique to inkjet printing and exceptional individuality of the color expressions.
Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
Fujifilm Group operates under the Group Purpose of “Giving our world more smiles.” We aim to contribute to solving social issues and realizing a sustainable society through our business activities across four segments: “Healthcare,” “Electronics,” “Imaging,” and “Business Innovation.” In the inkjet printing business field, leveraging its strength in developing all three core technologies—printheads, inks, and image processing—consistently within the group, the company is committed to developing advanced inkjet printing technologies.
