4D Insights

South African entrepreneur Henlo van der Westhuizen, in partnership with 4D Systems, has developed a premium espresso coffee machine, merging art, engineering, and functionality. Inspired by outdated coffee-shop technology, Van der Westhuizen set out to enhance the coffee experience through advanced engineering. His vision focused on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and innovative technology, leading to a product comparable in price with mid-high range espresso machines but with added telemetry. Committed to sustainability, his machines are designed for exceptional service life, enhanced by telemetry and data reporting. This journey led to the essential collaboration with 4D Systems for the machine's display technology.

Airinspace, based in Élancourt, France, was founded in 2002 with the objective of develop a way to provide the cleanest air in space. By developing air purifiers and airborne surface disinfection machines, they provided safe environments for humans in space, initially on the Russian space station Mir and later at the International Space Station (ISS). Today, the French company’s air purifiers are depended upon in hospitals across the world (circa 50 countries) to keep vulnerable patients safe from air and surface contamination as well as by research laboratories needing to mitigate potential airborne particles and microorganisms from disrupting their results. The product design team’s emphasis on the product’s ergonomics and aesthetic needs to be matched with an equal touch-screen experience also.

Leonardo Bilalis, a PhD student at the University of Piraeus, Greece, is working on a project creating a 3D-printed medical mask called "AMARYSIA ARTEMIS," incorporating an intelligent round display from 4D Systems. This advanced mask, designed for use in intensive care units (ICUs), integrates several biometric sensors, offering immediate sensor data for medical applications. The team faced challenges with the geometric design and integration of the display within the mask. They selected the Smart pixxiLCD-13P2 display from 4D Systems, which offered on-board smart graphics, embedded drivers, and a variety of display tools. The project underscores the potential of additive manufacturing in customising medical equipment to enhance patient care.

Due to semiconductor supply shortages linked to COVID-19, 4D Systems faces extended lead times, affecting its DIABLO-16 and PICASO display modules production, specifically in gen4-uLCD, uLCD, and 4Discovery categories. Current obligations can't be met, with delivery delays of over 52 weeks. New orders are expected to ship from November 2022 to January 2023. Existing order updates will be communicated progressively. Despite challenges, the company remains committed to restoring regular supply once constraints ease.