Recent Advances in 3D‐Printed Multifunctional Thermally Deformed Metamaterials

Increasing demands for lightweight load‐bearing andenvironmental adaptability in aerospace and precision instruments mean conventional materials relying on intrinsic thermal expansion can no longer meet requirements for synergistic multifunctionality. Through synergistic design of structural topology and material distribution, thermally deformed metamaterials enable programmable thermal expansion and multifunctional integration. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has significantly expanded design and manufacturing boundaries, enabling complex geometries, multimaterial systems, and hierarchical architectures. This progress fosters deep coupling of thermal expansion regulation with negative Poisson's ratio, high stiffness, bandgap control, vibration suppression, energy absorption, and shape reconfiguration. Focusing on the latest advances, this review systematically summarizes the design principles, performance, and manufacturing of 3D‐printed multifunctional thermally deformed metamaterials. Particular attention is paid to representative architectures, realization mechanisms, and intrinsic constraints among coupled functionalities. Challenges in multiobjective optimization, manufacturing precision, and engineering translation are also discussed. Future breakthroughs depend on integrated research frameworks spanning design, materials, and manufacturing, driving multifunctional thermally deformed metamaterials from proof‐of‐concept toward practical applications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Engineering Materials
Published
2026-04-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202600011
Primary Topic
Cellular and Composite Structures
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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Recent Advances in 3D‐Printed Multifunctional Thermally Deformed Metamaterials

D C Li, Hanmeng Bao, Tengfei Liu, Xiaoyong Tian et al.
Advanced Engineering Materials
Cellular and Composite Structures
article

Recent Advances in 3D‐Printed Multifunctional Thermally Deformed Metamaterials

D C Li, Hanmeng Bao, Tengfei Liu, Xiaoyong Tian, Lingling Wu
article en

Abstract

Increasing demands for lightweight load‐bearing andenvironmental adaptability in aerospace and precision instruments mean conventional materials relying on intrinsic thermal expansion can no longer meet requirements for synergistic multifunctionality. Through synergistic design of structural topology and material distribution, thermally deformed metamaterials enable programmable thermal expansion and multifunctional integration. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has significantly expanded design and manufacturing boundaries, enabling complex geometries, multimaterial systems, and hierarchical architectures. This progress fosters deep coupling of thermal expansion regulation with negative Poisson's ratio, high stiffness, bandgap control, vibration suppression, energy absorption, and shape reconfiguration. Focusing on the latest advances, this review systematically summarizes the design principles, performance, and manufacturing of 3D‐printed multifunctional thermally deformed metamaterials. Particular attention is paid to representative architectures, realization mechanisms, and intrinsic constraints among coupled functionalities. Challenges in multiobjective optimization, manufacturing precision, and engineering translation are also discussed. Future breakthroughs depend on integrated research frameworks spanning design, materials, and manufacturing, driving multifunctional thermally deformed metamaterials from proof‐of‐concept toward practical applications.

Advanced Engineering Materials
Xi'an Jiaotong University (CN)
State Key Laboratory of Technologies in Space Cryogenic Propellants, Key Laboratory of Dynamic Cognitive System of Electromagnetic Spectrum Space
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Cellular and Composite Structures
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