Recent advances in energy field assisted hybrid electrodeposition and electroforming processes

Abstract

Being an additive manufacturing process with a bottom-up approach, electrodeposition principle has opened up new avenues for the multiscale metallic deposition and because of its attainment of high precision and dimensional accuracy, it has equally received the attention of researchers as well as of various industrial sectors. Considering the utility of this inexpensive manufacturing process, the present review paper deals firstly with the fundamental principles and applications of both electrodeposition and electroforming processes along with the associated challenges and shortcomings. Thereafter, various energy field-assisted methods such as abrasive-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, magnetic-assisted, localized, photo-assisted, and gravity-assisted electrodeposition/electroforming have been discussed. Research progress associated with these techniques has been elaborately explained along with their principle of operation. The fabrication of various functional coatings, nanostructures, nanocomposites using such hybrid techniques have also been explored. In short, this review article throws light on the immense manufacturing possibilities in the area of electrodeposition/electroforming that can be taken up as future scope in the areas of high-performance coatings, micro/nano-manufacturing and functional materials, etc.