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Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
Research Guide
What is Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies?
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies are processes that build three-dimensional objects layer by layer from digital models, using materials such as polymers, metals, and composites, without the need for molds or subtractive machining.
The field encompasses 116,896 works with applications across materials, methods, and industries. Ngo et al. (2018) reviewed materials, methods, applications, and challenges in "Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, methods, applications and challenges," which received 7580 citations. DebRoy et al. (2017) analyzed processes, structures, and properties in metallic components in "Additive manufacturing of metallic components – Process, structure and properties," with 7541 citations.
Research Sub-Topics
Metal Additive Manufacturing
Researchers study processes like selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) for metals, focusing on microstructure evolution, defects, and mechanical properties. Optimization targets aerospace and biomedical implants.
3D Bioprinting
This area develops extrusion, inkjet, and laser-based bioprinting of cells and biomaterials for tissue engineering. Studies address bioink rheology, cell viability, and vascularization.
Polymer Materials for 3D Printing
Chemists design photopolymers, thermoplastics, and elastomers for FDM, SLA, and DLP printing, emphasizing resolution and functionality. Research includes recycling and hybrid composites.
Natural Fiber Composites in Additive Manufacturing
Studies filament extrude biocomposites with cellulose, hemp, or flax fibers for FDM, analyzing fiber-matrix adhesion and sustainability. Applications target automotive and packaging.
Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Researchers design lattice and gradient scaffolds via AM for cell proliferation and nutrient transport. Focus includes topology optimization and degradation profiles.
Why It Matters
Additive manufacturing enables production of complex metallic parts for aerospace and automotive sectors, as detailed by DebRoy et al. (2017) in their analysis of process-structure-property relationships. In healthcare, 3D bioprinting supports tissue and organ fabrication, with Murphy and Atala (2014) demonstrating viability in "3D bioprinting of tissues and organs." Recent investments, such as Cycle Capital's funding for AON3D's Hylo™ printer, expand capacity for high-performance parts, while Stratasys's entry into metal 3D printing via commercial agreements targets expanded markets. Frazier (2014) highlighted metal AM capabilities in "Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review," underscoring reduced lead times in prototyping.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
"Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, methods, applications and challenges" by Ngo et al. (2018), as it provides a broad foundation on materials, methods, applications, and challenges with 7580 citations.
Key Papers Explained
Ngo et al. (2018) in "Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, methods, applications and challenges" surveys the field broadly, which DebRoy et al. (2017) builds on in "Additive manufacturing of metallic components – Process, structure and properties" by focusing on metals. Frazier (2014) in "Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review" and Herzog et al. (2016) in "Additive manufacturing of metals" deepen metal-specific insights. Murphy and Atala (2014) in "3D bioprinting of tissues and organs" extends to biomedical uses, while Ligon et al. (2017) in "Polymers for 3D Printing and Customized Additive Manufacturing" details polymer roles.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Recent preprints explore autonomous additive manufacturing with AI agents and large multimodal models in "New era towards autonomous additive manufacturing." Medical components using diverse materials appear in "A comprehensive review of advancements in additive manufacturing for 3D printed medical components using diverse materials." News highlights Stratasys's metal 3D printing expansion and AON3D's Hylo™ deployment.
Papers at a Glance
| # | Paper | Year | Venue | Citations | Open Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, m... | 2018 | Composites Part B Engi... | 7.6K | ✕ |
| 2 | Additive manufacturing of metallic components – Process, struc... | 2017 | Progress in Materials ... | 7.5K | ✓ |
| 3 | Lost at Sea: Where Is All the Plastic? | 2004 | Science | 7.0K | ✕ |
| 4 | 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs | 2014 | Nature Biotechnology | 6.6K | ✕ |
| 5 | Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review | 2014 | Journal of Materials E... | 5.5K | ✓ |
| 6 | Composites reinforced with cellulose based fibres | 1999 | Progress in Polymer Sc... | 4.5K | ✕ |
| 7 | Additive manufacturing of metals | 2016 | Acta Materialia | 4.3K | ✓ |
| 8 | Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010 | 2012 | Progress in Polymer Sc... | 3.9K | ✕ |
| 9 | Porous scaffold design for tissue engineering | 2005 | Nature Materials | 3.8K | ✕ |
| 10 | Polymers for 3D Printing and Customized Additive Manufacturing | 2017 | Chemical Reviews | 3.5K | ✓ |
In the News
Cycle Capital leads new investment in AON3D to support ...
This investment will enable AON3D to increase manufacturing capacity and accelerate the commercial deployment of**Hylo™**– a sensor-driven, software-enhanced industrial 3D printer for manufacturing...
Systematic review on 3D concrete printing technology: breakthroughs and challenges
### 1.2Technological breakthroughs and advantages of 3D concrete printing
Waterloo researchers awarded $10.9 million for additive ...
training the next generation of leaders in the additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, sector.
Stratasys Expands Beyond Polymers, Adding Production ...
*Global leader in polymer additive manufacturing enters the metal 3D printing sector, expanding its total addressable market through an investment and commercial agreement* MINNETONKA, Minn. & REHO...
Measurement Science for Additive Manufacturing Program
The Measurement Science for Additive Manufacturing program aims to develop and deploy advances in measurement science that will enable rapid design-to-product transformation through: material chara...
Code & Tools
PySLM is a Python library for supporting development and generation of build files in Additive Manufacturing or 3D Printing, in particular Selectiv...
## Description Myna is a framework to facilitate modeling and simulation workflows for additive manufacturing based on build data stored in a dig...
## Repository files navigation ORNL Slicer 2 for next-gen additive manufacturing
## Repository files navigation # Overview This code is designed to create a gcode file suitable for Additive & Subtractive Manufacturing By La...
The digital side of the system is under rapid development. The current controller is capable of printing within certain limitations. ## Controller...
Recent Preprints
LLM-3D print: Large Language Models to monitor and ...
## Abstract
New era towards autonomous additive manufacturing
Keywords: future manufacturing, autonomous additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence agent, large multimodal models, knowledge graphs Nomenclature AAM Autonomous additive manufacturing AE Aco...
Recent Advances in Additive Manufacturing: A Review of ...
Additive manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, has seen significant advances over the last few years. Through extensive research covering a wide range of industries from automotive ...
Recent Advances in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Technology
Technology” is introduced to present the latest research on cutting-edge developments in this dynamic field.
A comprehensive review of advancements in additive manufacturing for 3D printed medical components using diverse materials
additive manufacturing and various 3D printing processes. Research trends in different fields, sourced from the Scopus database, are examined, identifying twelve key application areas presented in ...
Latest Developments
Recent developments in additive manufacturing and 3D printing research as of February 2026 include advancements in automation, AI integration, and digital workflows driving smarter and more automated processes (Kensington Additive), significant innovation in high-performance materials such as high-temperature thermoplastics (Vision Miner), and progress in volumetric and holographic printing techniques like tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing and holographic multi-beam interference, enabling complex geometries without support structures (Nature). Additionally, the global market is projected to grow substantially, reaching over $125 billion by 2034 (Fortune Business Insights).
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used in additive manufacturing?
Materials include polymers, metals, composites, and biocompatible substances. Ngo et al. (2018) reviewed polymers, metals, and composites in "Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, methods, applications and challenges." Ligon et al. (2017) focused on polymers suitable for customized fabrication in "Polymers for 3D Printing and Customized Additive Manufacturing."
How does metal additive manufacturing work?
Metal AM builds components layer by layer using processes like selective laser melting. DebRoy et al. (2017) described process, structure, and properties in "Additive manufacturing of metallic components – Process, structure and properties." Herzog et al. (2016) examined metal AM technologies in "Additive manufacturing of metals."
What are applications of 3D bioprinting?
3D bioprinting constructs tissues and organs from bioinks. Murphy and Atala (2014) outlined methods for tissue engineering in "3D bioprinting of tissues and organs." Hollister (2005) discussed porous scaffolds in "Porous scaffold design for tissue engineering."
What challenges exist in additive manufacturing?
Challenges include material limitations, process control, and scalability. Ngo et al. (2018) identified key issues in "Additive manufacturing (3D printing): A review of materials, methods, applications and challenges." Frazier (2014) reviewed metal AM hurdles in "Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review."
What is the role of polymers in 3D printing?
Polymers enable customized additive manufacturing from CAD models. Ligon et al. (2017) detailed polymers for layer-by-layer fabrication in "Polymers for 3D Printing and Customized Additive Manufacturing." They translate digital designs into physical objects without molds.
How has additive manufacturing advanced in metals?
Advances include improved process understanding and part properties. Herzog et al. (2016) covered technologies in "Additive manufacturing of metals." Frazier (2014) provided a review in "Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review."
Open Research Questions
- ? How can in-process sensing optimize metallic component properties during additive manufacturing?
- ? What bioink formulations enable functional organ printing via 3D bioprinting?
- ? Which process parameters minimize defects in metal additive manufacturing?
- ? How do natural fiber composites integrate with additive manufacturing for sustainable parts?
- ? What simulation frameworks predict build failures in additive manufacturing workflows?
Recent Trends
Preprints emphasize autonomous systems, with "New era towards autonomous additive manufacturing" integrating AI agents and knowledge graphs.
Medical applications grow, as in "A comprehensive review of advancements in additive manufacturing for 3D printed medical components using diverse materials," identifying twelve areas and sixteen materials.
Investments include Cycle Capital for AON3D's Hylo™ printer and Stratasys entering metal printing, alongside $10.9 million for Waterloo's training program.
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