Advanced Manufacturing Methods Research Articles

Applications, Design Methods, and Challenges for Additive Manufacturing of Thermal Solutions for Heterogeneous Integration of Electronics

Abstract Heterogeneous integration of electronics is critical to the next wave of electronics applications ranging from extremely power dense energy conversion systems to advanced chiplet and co-packaged optics architectures for next-generation computing. Enhanced functionality and operation are essential goals in heterogeneous integration. In all applications, effective thermal management of both active and passive electronic devices is required to support these goals. Additive manufacturing opens new avenues for heterogeneous integration of electronics. This article thus provides a review of additive manufacturing methods and applications in the specific context of thermal solutions for heterogeneous integration of electronics. Three-dimensional printing methods, associated materials (e.g., metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite), and electronics package integration approaches, or conceptual fabrication workflows, are outlined for cold plates, heat sinks, fluid flow manifolds, and thermal interface materials plus composites for electronics. The current status of design optimization methods for additive manufacturing of thermal solutions for electronics is also covered. Future challenges and research directions are outlined to further stimulate the development of advanced manufacturing methods, novel design techniques, and unique electronics package integration capabilities for thermal solutions.

Beyond Smoothness: The Art of Surface Texturing Battling against Friction

Abstract Leveraging surface texturing to realize significant friction reduction at contact interfaces has emerged as a preferred technique among tribology experts, boosting tribological energy efficiency and sustainability. This review systematically demonstrates optimization strategies, advanced manufacturing methods, typical applications, and outlooks of technical challenges toward surface texturing for friction reduction. Firstly, the lubricated contact models of microtextures are introduced. Then, we provide a framework of state-of-the-art research on synergistic friction optimization strategies of microtexture structures, surface treatments, liquid lubricants, and external energy fields. A comparative analysis evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of manufacturing techniques commonly employed for microtextured surfaces. The latest research advancements in microtextures in different application scenarios are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and directions of future research on surface texturing technology are briefly addressed. This review aims to elaborate on the worldwide progress in the optimization, manufacturing, and application of microtexture-enabled friction reduction technologies to promote their practical utilizations.

Direct ink writing of polymer‐based materials—A review

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) is widely recognized for its flexibility, structural complexity, customizability, and sustainability. Within the realm of AM technology, direct ink writing (DIW) stand out due to its material diversity, high resolution, and capacity for free‐form design. It enjoys widespread applications in biomedicine and engineering, making it a key advanced manufacturing method for crafting design‐free, multifunctional, and stable items. Herein, a review of the DIW of polymer‐based materials is presented. It starts with an overview of the various fillers in polymer composites, followed by an in‐depth discussion of the diverse methods for customizing ink for DIW across different material classes. Subsequently, it delves into the emerging applications of DIW polymer‐based materials, encompassing their utility in biology, electrical energy storage, electronics, and robotics. Finally, the review addresses the current challenges and prospects associated with DIW, aiming to elucidate potential pathways for future innovations.Highlights DIW is one of the most popular techniques in 3D printing. Describes the application of polymer‐based materials in DIW in recent years. Outlines advances in DIW of polymer‐based composites, hydrogels, and 4D printing. Outlines the myriad of applications for DIW of polymer‐based materials. Discusses current challenges and outlooks to provide guidance for future.

Enhancing the strength and ductility of 316 L cladding via dual-pulse wire arc additive manufacturing process control

This paper utilizes an advanced dual-pulse wire arc additive manufacturing (DP-WAAM) method, which employs heat management strategies by controlling two key parameters: dual-pulse frequency (f) and duty cycle (Dt). The approach aims to enhance the strength and ductility of 316 L claddings. An investigation is conducted into the effects of different parameters on arc morphology, deposition geometry, microstructure, and their interrelated properties. The results demonstrate that by regulating f and Dt to achieve a low heat input effect, the new method effectively manages heat conditions, leading to improved strength and ductility of the deposits without increasing manufacturing cost and complexity. Under the f = 4 Hz and Dt = 60 %, the hardness of the deposited sample increased by approximately 22 % (from 179 HV0.1 to 217.1 ± 2.5 HV0.1), while the tensile strength increased by about 19 % (from 536 ± 4 MPa to 636 ± 6 MPa). Additionally, when Dt = 60 % and f ≥ 3 Hz, the dilution rate is generally within or close to the optimal range, and the left and right wetting angles range from 30° to 55°, with a difference of less than 5°. This indicates a stable deposition process, resulting in a uniform and reliable part morphology. Hence, this study offers a direct strategy for optimizing metal material formation and enhancing performance in additive manufacturing technology.

Efficiency Improvement on Indium Tin Oxide Films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using Oxygen Plasma by Bias-Magnetron RF Sputtering Process

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the most widely studied thin-film solar cells because of their cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and simple fabrication method. However, there is still much scope for replacing current DSSC materials due to their high cost, low volume, and lack of long-term stability. Accordingly, indium tin oxide (ITO)-nanorod films were fabricated by electron (E)-beam evaporation using the glancing angle deposition method in this study. Then, the ITO-nanorod was treated with oxygen plasma via a bias-magnetron radio-frequency (RF) sputtering process to improve the efficiency of DSSCs under a varying gas flow rate of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 sccm. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) investigation of the ITO film structure revealed that the obtained nanorod structures have slightly different diameters. At the same time, an increase in the oxygen flow rate resulted in a rougher film surface structure. In this, the lower sheet resistance was received because of rougher morphology. When comparing the DSSCs efficiency (η) test results, we found that at a gas flow rate of 100 sccm, the highest efficiency value showed 9.5%. On the other hand, the ITO-nanorod without plasma treatment exhibited the lowest η. Hence, plasma technology can be practically applied to improve the η of DSSC devices. This study will be a prototype of a highly advanced solar cell manufacturing method for the solar cell industry.

Hydroxyapatite functionalized natural fiber‐reinforced composites: Interfacial modification and additive manufacturing

AbstractNatural fibers are lightweight, cost‐effective, readily available, and eco‐friendly materials. However, natural fiber‐reinforced composites are constrained by biological inconsistency and inferior fiber‐matrix interfacial properties, which restrict effective processing using advanced additive manufacturing methods. In this study, we develop a novel concept for natural fiber composite interfaces by growing hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanocrystals on jute fibers. The resulting hybrid composite is characterized using mechanical testing, nanoindentation, and modulus mapping. The interfacial region suggests a 31.4% increase in stiffness and possesses a storage modulus of up to 7.5 GPa. The tensile modulus and strength of the hybrid composite improves by 30% and 33%, respectively. Furthermore, we develop a novel process for the additive manufacturing of jute fiber thermoset composites through a direct writing (DW) process. The HAP modification increases thermal conductivity, consequently improving the curing process during DW and enhancing composite manufacturability. We demonstrate that the DW process enables the printing of intricate multilayer geometries with varying fiber content.Highlights Hydroxyapatite is used for natural fiber composite interfacial modification. Nanoindentation shows the interfacial region exhibits 31.4% higher stiffness. Modified composites possess superior mechanical performance. Jute fibers are thermally functionalized for composite additive manufacturing. A direct writing method is developed for continuous functionalized jute fiber.

Superior Electrochemical Performance and Rechargeability of Zinc Anodes Via Additive Manufacturing

Current roll-to-roll slurry-cast battery electrode manufacturing methods create serious restrictions for electrochemical energy storage, including: poor conductivity due to the presence of electrochemically inactive and electronically insulating binders, low energy density due to the need for foil current collectors, and limited form factors for electrode size/shape and cell design. Here, we report the benefits of advanced manufacturing methods for zinc anode rechargeability and performance.Zinc-based batteries pose an attractive alternative to lithium-ion (Li-ion) systems due to their excellent gravimetric and volumetric capacity, the increased safety and ionic conductivity of aqueous electrolytes, and the relative abundance and low price of zinc.Zinc metal is used as an anode in commercial alkaline batteries (i.e., Zn-MnO2) and other primary systems whose specific energies are comparable to (or higher than) Li-ion, such as Zn-Ag, Zn-Ni, and Zn-air, but which lack sufficient rechargeability to compete with Li-ion. Commercial zinc anodes comprise either zinc foil, which has high electronic conductivity but very low surface area, or zinc powders (i.e., zinc-binder powder composites or pastes), which have high surface area but poor inter-particle conductivity and long-range electrode connectivity; unfortunately, both of these form-factors significantly hinder zinc anode performance.One groundbreaking approach to overcome these problems utilized a monolithic 3D porous zinc “sponge” electrode architecture to produce high surface area and improved electronic conductivity [1]. These electrodes achieved ~ 90% zinc utilization when discharged in a primary Zn–air cell, and could be electrochemically cycled without macroscale dendrite formation in symmetric test cells (i.e., pure Zn sponge electrode vs. sponge electrode with Zn core/ZnO shell). Furthermore, nickel–zinc sponge alkaline cells achieved >100 high-rate cycles to 40% DODZn at lithium-ion-commensurate specific energy, and tens of thousands of cycles mimicking start-stop microhybrid vehicle duty cycles. The authors attributed this exceptional performance to architectural aspects of the electrodes, namely the interconnected porous voids and zinc domains. However, the authors acknowledged that the 3D porous “sponge” architecture could be improved through advanced manufacturing methods, such as laser powder bed fabrication (LPBF), which creates direct metallic connections between individual metal particles, without the need for solvents or non-conductive binders/surfactants. Additive manufacturing also provides exquisite control over electrode form factor, with high precision and resolution. Although porosity poses problems for the structural integrity of additively manufactured parts, the granular nature of sintered zinc powder has several potential benefits for electrochemical performance, including:(i) the direct, metallic connections between zinc particles are not degraded during charge/discharge, which preserves metallic conductivity throughout extended cycling;(ii) maximizing the total surface area of electrode in contact with the electrolyte.Another principal advantage of LPBF additive manufacturing is the ability to tune the density by adjusting the laser input to control the degree of melting. However, the main challenge for optimizing these additively fabricated samples is to create electrodes that are thin and porous enough to achieve complete zinc discharge and maximize the electrified electrode-electrolyte interfacial contact area without compromising the electrodes’ dimensional stability and integrity during extended charge/discharge cycling.Here, we present an electrochemical analysis of binder-free, pure zinc samples fabricated additively from zinc metal powder using LPBF. The manufacturability of thin-walled metallic deposits was demonstrated over a wide range of operating conditions, and the structures were characterized in terms of their thickness (200-500 µm), density (ρ=4-6.7 g/cm3) and roughness (Ra =10-15 µm).The electrodes provided a useful starting point for an evaluation of their electrochemical performance as anodes, and demonstrated facile electrochemical reversibility and extended cyclability, even without special electrolytes or electrode additives to improve electrochemical performance. The samples displayed stable and consistent cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycling at scan rates between 0.01 V s-1 and 1 V s-1, and completed multiple cycles at 50 mV/s without significant loss of capacity. Further, zinc-zinc symmetric cells containing additively manufactured anode and cathode displayed low overpotential (i.e., approximately 25 - 35 mV) and survived more than 2000 continuous hours of galvanostatic charge/discharge testing at 10 mAh cm-2. Full-cell galvanostatic charge/discharge testing is currently underway.This investigation provides a foundational starting point for further investigations of the benefits of additive manufacturing as a tool; for optimizing the architecture and structural features of zinc anodes. The results of our preliminary study portend well for our future efforts, which will focus on optimizing the thickness, density/porosity, geometric precision, and particle connectivity of additively manufactured zinc electrodes. REFERENCE [1] Parker JF, Chervin CN, Nelson ES, Rolison DR, LongJW.Wiring Zinc in Three Dimensions Re-Writes Battery Performance-Dendrite-Free Cycling. Energy Environ. Sci. 2014, 7, 1-3.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques in Aerospace Engineering

A significant change in the design, production, and integration of aircraft systems and components has been brought about by advanced manufacturing techniques in aerospace engineering. These methods, which include a variety of cutting-edge procedures and technological advancements, are revolutionizing the aerospace sector by improving the effectiveness, dependability, and performance of airplanes and spacecraft. This article provides a thorough review of the influence of advanced manufacturing methods on the high-stakes area of aerospace engineering by delving into the fundamental definitions, evolution, importance, research gaps, and present significance of these techniques.

Advanced and sustainable manufacturing methods of polymer-based membranes for gas separation: a review

The fabrication of membranes for gas separation presents challenges that hinder their deployment as a truly sustainable technology. This review systematically explores the evolution and advancements in materials and manufacturing methods of polymer-based membranes, with a keen emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. The review delineates a broad spectrum of manufacturing techniques, ranging from traditional methods to cutting-edge approaches such as layer-by-layer assembly, and green synthesis, highlighting their implications for environmental sustainability, performance enhancement, scalability, and economic viability. Key findings indicate a significant shift towards greener solvents, bio-based polymers and processes that reduce waste and costs. Critical analysis uncovers a growing focus on understanding the life cycle of membranes and developing strategies for end-of-life such as recycling and the use of biodegradable materials, underscoring the commitment of the community to minimizing environmental footprints.

Water Diffusion in Additively Manufactured Polymers: Analysis of the Capillary Effect

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an advanced manufacturing method that produces objects by sequential layering. Material extrusion AM (MEAM) with continuous-fibre reinforcement is becoming more widely used in naval structures, which are exposed to the marine environment. However, the water diffusion process and the effect of water ageing on the mechanical performance of AM materials are not yet well understood because of their complex internal structure, caused by defects generated during manufacturing. Current research on diffusion is mostly based on experimental methods for conventionally manufactured materials without considering AM-induced defects. The objective of this study is to explore how the defects inherent to MEAM affect water diffusion in a composite material by the capillary effect. Results from a numerical study of capillary flow in MEAM polymer are applied as a boundary condition in the subsequent finite-element analysis. The study illustrates that flow in the capillary reaches the steady state quicker compared to the saturation time in the matrix, predicted by Fick’s diffusion equation. It is demonstrated that the capillary effect can significantly affect the water diffusion in MEAM parts and reduce the saturation time to one-third compared to the case without accounting for this effect.

Advanced Flexible Sensing Technologies for Soft Robots

AbstractSoft robots have recently attracted increasing interest due to their advantages in durability, flexibility, and deformability, which enable them to adapt to unstructured environments and perform various complex tasks. Perception is crucial for soft robots. To better mimic biological systems, sensors need to be integrated into soft robotic systems to obtain both proprioceptive and external perception for effective usage. This review summarizes the latest advancements in flexible sensing feedback technologies for soft robotic applications. It begins with an introduction to the development of various flexible sensors for soft robots, followed by an in‐depth exploration of smart materials and advanced manufacturing methods. A detailed description of flexible sensing modalities and methodologies is also included in the review to illustrate the continuous breakthrough of the technology. In addition, the applications of soft robots based on these advanced sensing technologies are concluded as well. The challenges of flexible sensing technologies for soft robots and promising solutions are finally discussed and analyzed to provide a prospect for future development. By examining the recent advances in intelligent flexible sensing technologies, this review is dedicated to highlighting the potential of soft robotics and motivating innovation within the field.

New Directions for Thermoelectrics: A Roadmap from High‐Throughput Materials Discovery to Advanced Device Manufacturing

Thermoelectric materials, which can convert waste heat into electricity or act as solid‐state Peltier coolers, are emerging as key technologies to address global energy shortages and environmental sustainability. However, discovering materials with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency is a complex and slow process. The emerging field of high‐throughput material discovery demonstrates its potential to accelerate the development of new thermoelectric materials combining high efficiency and low cost. The synergistic integration of high‐throughput material processing and characterization techniques with machine learning algorithms can form an efficient closed‐loop process to generate and analyze broad datasets to discover new thermoelectric materials with unprecedented performances. Meanwhile, the recent development of advanced manufacturing methods provides exciting opportunities to realize scalable, low‐cost, and energy‐efficient fabrication of thermoelectric devices. This review provides an overview of recent advances in discovering thermoelectric materials using high‐throughput methods, including processing, characterization, and screening. Advanced manufacturing methods of thermoelectric devices are also introduced to realize the broad impacts of thermoelectric materials in power generation and solid‐state cooling. In the end, this article also discusses the future research prospects and directions.

Maximizing fiber content in 3D-printed earth materials: Printability, mechanical, thermal and environmental assessments

Earth building materials are experiencing a new renaissance with novel avenues in advanced manufacturing methods such as 3D printing. However, current mix designs are still limited to little to no fiber reinforcement, which can improve ductility and thermal resistivity of the fabricated building assemblies. This research develops 3D printable earth-fiber composites while maximizing natural fiber content for low-carbon and high-performance materials in additive manufacturing. A range of mix designs are formulated and characterized for their printability, mechanical, thermal, and environmental carbon storage performance. The results of this work present successfully developed novel earthen mixtures with natural fiber content ranging from commonplace “cob” (2%wt fiber) to newly developed “light fiber clay” (up to13%wt fiber content and 49% by total volume), incorporating a range of agrowastes products, including wheat straw, hemp, banana, and kenaf fibers. The performance assessment results showcase meaningful improvement of the fiber-reinforced mix designs as opposed to the earthen counterparts, with up to 125% higher compressive strength and up to 86% lower thermal conductivity. The significance of this work lies in the advancement of sustainable and circular materials and assemblies for future manufacturing of socially equitable built environments.

Bibliometric Analysis of Personalized 3D-Printed Concrete-Based Modules for Construction: Leveraging the Ordinatio Method

The research landscape of personalized 3D-printed concrete-based modules for construction and their impact on thermal performance through generative design methods is explored through a bibliometric analysis. Comprehensive analysis techniques, including bibliographic data and visualization with VoSviewer, are employed to unveil collaborative networks, influential articles, research trends, and emerging themes within this domain. Global contributions are showcased, with citations predominantly from the UK and USA, while Denmark and Australia demonstrate a significant impact relative to publication numbers. Prominent authors like Buswell, Mechtcherine, and Zhang are highlighted through co-authorship analysis, revealing evolving collaborative patterns over time. Seminal works and influential authors are identified through co-citation analysis, providing insights into intellectual networks. Source citation analysis emphasizes the importance of sustainability and advanced manufacturing methods through key journals in the field. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies the core themes, including 3D concrete printing, additive manufacturing, and sustainability. Emerging trends indicate a growing focus on sustainability and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. These insights have implications for future research, guiding impactful contributions in this evolving field.

Subtractive processing and surface integrity of additive manufacturing materials

PurposeAs an advanced manufacturing method, additive manufacturing (AM) technology provides new possibilities for efficient production and design of parts. However, with the continuous expansion of the application of AM materials, subtractive processing has become one of the necessary steps to improve the accuracy and performance of parts. In this paper, the processing process of AM materials is discussed in depth, and the surface integrity problem caused by it is discussed.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, we listed and analyzed the characterization parameters of metal surface integrity and its influence on the performance of parts and then introduced the application of integrated processing of metal adding and subtracting materials and the influence of different processing forms on the surface integrity of parts. The surface of the trial-cut material is detected and analyzed, and the surface of the integrated processing of adding and subtracting materials is compared with that of the pure processing of reducing materials, so that the corresponding conclusions are obtained.FindingsIn this process, we also found some surface integrity problems, such as knife marks, residual stress and thermal effects. These problems may have a potential negative impact on the performance of the final parts. In processing, we can try to use other integrated processing technologies of adding and subtracting materials, try to combine various integrated processing technologies of adding and subtracting materials, or consider exploring more efficient AM technology to improve processing efficiency. We can also consider adopting production process optimization measures to reduce the processing cost of adding and subtracting materials.Originality/valueWith the gradual improvement of the requirements for the surface quality of parts in the production process and the in-depth implementation of sustainable manufacturing, the demand for integrated processing of metal addition and subtraction materials is likely to continue to grow in the future. By deeply understanding and studying the problems of material reduction and surface integrity of AM materials, we can better meet the challenges in the manufacturing process and improve the quality and performance of parts. This research is very important for promoting the development of manufacturing technology and achieving success in practical application.

Optimization of Motor Bracket for Enhanced Performance in Electric Vehicles - A Review

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain prominence in the automotive industry, the demand for efficient and lightweight components becomes crucial for overall vehicle performance. This study focuses on the optimization of the bracket used for mounting the motor in electric vehicles, aiming to enhance structural integrity, reduce weight, and improve overall efficiency. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, combining advanced materials analysis, structural simulations, and manufacturing techniques to achieve an optimal design. Initially, a comprehensive materials selection process is conducted, considering factors such as strength, weight, and cost. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is then employed to simulate the bracket's structural behavior under various loading conditions, ensuring that it meets stringent performance and safety standards. The optimization process involves fine-tuning the bracket's geometry to strike a balance between weight reduction and structural robustness, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the electric motor system. Additionally, advanced manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing and precision machining, are explored to facilitate the production of the optimized bracket. These techniques not only contribute to the reduction of material waste but also allow for complex geometries that further enhance the bracket's performance.

Dynamic enhancement induced by interface for additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites

Additive manufacturing (AM) has become one advanced manufacturing method for continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CCFRP) composites, which is promising to work as aerospace materials. To promote their efficient design and extensive application, series of tensile and fiber-pullout tests were implemented to investigate the rate-dependent mechanical behavior and fracture mechanism. Both tensile strength and fracture strain significantly increase with the increase of strain rate in the studied range of 0.0001–1600 s−1. Fiber-pullout test also confirms that the interfacial shear strength of composites increases with the increasing loading rate. Dynamic enhancement is analyzed quantitatively, and it is mainly contributed by the rate-dependent behavior of fiber-matrix interface. Fracture analysis indicates the stronger interfacial bonding under dynamic loading, which is attributed to the impeded interfacial crack propagation by high strain rate. A constitutive model is built to predict the rate-dependent strength of CCFRP composites, and it fits well with the experimental results.

S890 hot-rolled ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) seamless circular hollow section beam–columns: Testing, modelling and design

With the recent rapid development of manufacturing techniques and material science, advanced hot-rolling of ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) with material grades up to S890 becomes possible. The structural behaviour of S890 hot-rolled ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) seamless circular hollow section (CHS) beam–columns fabricated through the advanced manufacturing method, was investigated through testing and numerical modelling and reported in this paper. In the physical testing, a total of 12 beam–columns were firstly tested featuring the flexural buckling failure mode, with the material coupon tests and initial global geometric imperfection measurements performed. FE modelling was then conducted, where the FE models were developed and validated against the test observations. The validated FE models were then adopted in the parametric studies in a wider spectrum of member lengths, cross-section dimensions and loading combinations, resulting in the additional 300 FE data to be generated. Finally, the current design provisions, as set out in Eurocode, American specification and Australian standard, are assessed for their applicability to S890 hot-rolled UHSS seamless CHS beam–columns. It was revealed from the assessment results that the design provisions in three design codes can be accurately applied to S890 hot-rolled UHSS seamless CHS beam–columns.

Enhancing Aluminum-Based Composite Manufacturing: Leveraging ZrB2 Reinforcement via Friction Stir Process

This study investigates the enhancement of aluminum-based composite manufacturing through the utilization of ZrB2 reinforcement via Friction Stir Process (FSP). Achieving a uniform distribution of ZrB2 particles is crucial for optimizing material properties. The addition of ZrB2 nanoparticles using FSP has led to notable improvements in various mechanical properties of aluminum. Tensile strength increased by 20.25%, hardness by 35.67%, fatigue strength by 23.67%, and wear resistance by 29.45%. These enhancements underscore the effectiveness of nanoparticle reinforcement in fortifying aluminum matrices against mechanical stresses and wear mechanisms. The results demonstrate the potential of FSP-based techniques in tailoring the mechanical properties of aluminum-based composites for diverse applications. This research contributes valuable insights into advanced manufacturing methods for developing high-performance materials with enhanced mechanical characteristics, facilitating the advancement of aluminum composite technologies for industries requiring superior strength, durability, and wear resistance.

(Invited) Confined Electrodeposition Enables Additive Manufacturing of Metals at Micro- and Nanoscale

Additive manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D printing, is rapidly becoming a part of our everyday life: from DIY use by hobbyists to industrial manufacturing, 3D printing is experiencing a booming success. The technologies advance quickly with faster print rates, broader choice of materials and a constantly increasing accuracy and printing resolution. Impressively, state-of-the-art techniques take the printed feature sizes to the extreme: multiphoton optical stereolithography and focused electron or ion beams are now capable to produce objects with nanoscale resolution. Although at the cutting edge to printing finest details, these advanced manufacturing methods lack the capacity to process dense and pure electrical conductors – materials very much needed to push the limits of the technologies of the future – sensors, energy storage devices, logical gates and memory interfaces.Electrochemical methods, which have an advantage to process a wider range of materials – conductors and semiconductors, bulk materials and colloids, at a first glance, have little to do with additive manufacturing. Electrodeposition, a well-established approach traditionally used to produce metallic coatings or thin films, is often integrated in microfabrication process but is limited to planar two-dimensional designs. However, when combined with state-of-the-art nanoelectrochemical approaches, electrodeposition can be taken into a three-dimensional realm, where it can be used to produce complex structures with micro- and nanoscale dimensions [1]. The key to achieve this is nanoscale confinement of precursor delivery that is combined with layer-by-layer additive processing. Liquid manipulation by pressure driven flow through nanoscale cantilevers [2] or intermittent meniscus formation using droplet cells [3] – a variety of nanoelectrochemical techniques can be used to fabricate metallic structures with various morphologies. The recent advances in these technologies including instrumental aspects, performance metrics such as resolution and print rates, as well as some materials characteristics are highlighted in this talk.