Application Of Additive Manufacturing Techniques Research Articles

Application of Additive Manufacturing in the Automobile Industry: A Mini Review

The automobile industry is recognized as one of the most influential sectors shaping global economies, societies, and individual lifestyles. Therefore, fierce competition among different companies is continuously undergoing, and special attention is focused on innovations to improve competitiveness. In the past several years, additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as an innovative technology in applications in the automobile industry with significant advantages over traditional techniques. As a result, increasing efforts have been paid to combining AM technology with the development of the automobile industry. Currently, many automobile players are optimizing their industrial layout by incorporating innovative AM techniques, and meanwhile, a lot of research progress has been achieved in order to meet the market demand. This article aims at presenting a timely review to conclude the recent advances in the application of AM techniques in the automobile industry, focusing on the available AM techniques, printable materials, and industry applications, based on which the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and material system are discussed in order to reveal the current application situation. The current research gaps and challenges are also outlined to indicate future research opportunities. Hopefully, this work can be useful to related researchers as well as game players in the industry of this field.

Effect of AlN content on microstructure and properties of SiAlON ceramics prepared via vat photopolymerization

To date, the application of additive manufacturing techniques in fabricating SiAlON ceramics with intricate geometries has been limited. This investigation demonstrates the synthesis of SiAlON ceramics by integrating silicon nitride (Si3N4) powders with variable proportions of aluminum nitride (AlN) utilizing the vat photopolymerization (VPP) approach. The effects of AlN content on the properties of SiAlON ceramic slurries, green bodies, and sintered parts were systematically investigated. Notably, the slurry's viscosity decreases progressively with an increase in AlN, aligning with VPP printing prerequisites. Additionally, the curing depth of the slurry enhanced proportionally with AlN augmentation, elevating from 21 μm to 44 μm at an energy exposure of 800 mJ/cm2, with the pivotal addition being 15 vol% AlN, where optimal properties were achieved. The zeniths of flexural strength, bulk density, relative density, and thermal conductivity were recorded at 385.66 ± 22.63 MPa, 3.34 ± 0.09 g/cm3, 96.22 ± 2.55 %, and 37.4 ± 0.31 W m−1 K−1, respectively. The fabrication of SiAlON ceramics with complex configurations was successfully realized, heralding a novel methodology for future SiAlON ceramic production.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based additively manufactured memory devices

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in a suspension have been shown to change resistance by an order of magnitude based on an applied field. We have prepared the MNPs samples with matrices of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PDOT:PSS) or H2O, and Co MNPs and carried out the magnetoresistive measurements. A switch-based model is used to understand the mechanism for the change in resistance. We further propose devices for memory based on MNPs. Building blocks for these devices are then fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques and measurements of change in resistance under the influence of a magnetic field are conducted. Niche applications of additive manufacturing techniques to the fabrication of these devices are proposed. The device uses MNPs suspended in a soft matter matrix. The application of a magnetic field is used to move the MNPs to or away from electrical contacts. Depending on the change of position of the MNPs, a connection is either made or broken, which can act as a 1 or a 0. The measured change in resistance observed in such devices is more than an order of magnitude depending on the matrix solution. The proposed device and its manufacturing process could be feasible for magnetic memory and in-memory computing devices on any flexible substrates.

Preceramic Polymers for Additive Manufacturing of Silicate Ceramics.

The utilization of preceramic polymers (PCPs) to produce both oxide and non-oxide ceramics has caught significant interest, owing to their exceptional characteristics. Diverse types of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) synthesized by using various PCPs have demonstrated remarkable characteristics such as exceptional thermal stability, resistance to corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures, biocompatibility, and notable dielectric properties, among others. The application of additive manufacturing techniques to produce PDCs opens up new opportunities for manufacturing complex and unconventional ceramic structures with complex designs that might be challenging or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. This is particularly advantageous in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. In this review, various categories of preceramic polymers employed in the synthesis of polymer-derived ceramics are discussed, with a particular focus on the utilization of polysiloxane and polysilsesquioxanes to generate silicate ceramics. Further, diverse additive manufacturing techniques adopted for the fabrication of polymer-derived silicate ceramics are described.

Parametric experimental investigation of additive manufacturing-based distal ulna bone plate: a response surface methodology-based design approach

Purpose The implications of metallic biomaterials involve stress shielding, bone osteoporosis, release of toxic ions, poor wear and corrosion resistance and patient discomfort due to the need of second operation. This study aims to use additive manufacturing (AM) process for fabrication of biodegradable orthopedic small locking bone plates to overcome complications related to metallic biomaterials. Design/methodology/approach Fused deposition modeling technique has been used for fabrication of bone plates. The effect of varying printing parameters such as infill density, layer height, wall thickness and print speed has been studied on tensile and flexural properties of bone plates using response surface methodology-based design of experiments. Findings The maximum tensile and flexural strengths are mainly dependent on printing parameters used during the fabrication of bone plates. Tensile and flexural strengths increase with increase in infill density and wall thickness and decrease with increase in layer height and wall thickness. Research limitations/implications The present work is focused on bone plates. In addition, different AM techniques can be used for fabrication of other biomedical implants. Originality/value Studies on application of AM techniques on distal ulna small locking bone plates have been hardly reported. This work involves optimization of printing parameters for development of distal ulna-based bone plate with high mechanical strength. Characterization of microscopic fractures has also been performed for understanding the fracture behavior of bone plates.

High-performance, additively-manufactured atomic spectroscopy apparatus for portable quantum technologies.

We demonstrate a miniaturised and highly robust system for performing Doppler-free spectroscopy on thermal atomic vapour for three frequencies as required for cold atom-based quantum technologies. The application of additive manufacturing techniques, together with efficient use of optical components, produce a compact, stable optical system, with a volume of 0.089 L and a weight of 120 g. The device occupies less than a tenth of the volume of, and is considerably lower cost than, conventional spectroscopic systems, but also offers excellent stability against environmental disturbances. We characterise the response of the system to changes in environmental temperature between 7 and 35 ∘C and exposure to vibrations between 0 - 2000 Hz, finding that the system can reliably perform spectroscopic measurements despite substantial vibrational noise and temperature changes. Our results show that 3D-printed optical systems are an excellent solution for portable quantum technologies.

A Review of the Latest Developments in the Field of Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Nuclear Reactors

This review paper provides insights the into current developments in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. The comprehensive presentations about AM methods, material properties (i.e., irradiation damage, as-built defects, residual stresses and fatigue fracture), experiments, numerical simulations and standards are discussed as well as their advantages and shortages for the application in the field of nuclear reactor. Meanwhile, some recommendations that need to be focused on are presented to advance the development and application of AM techniques in nuclear reactors. The knowledge included in this paper can serve as a baseline to tailor the limitations, utilize the superiorities and promote the wide feasibilities of the AM techniques for wide application in the field of nuclear reactors.

Dynamic mechanical analysis performance of pure 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a technique that is used to study the viscoelastic behaviour of polymeric materials. 3D printing is one of the well-known applications of additive manufacturing techniques which has wide areas of application. In that, Fusion Deposition modelling (FDM) has very fine outcomes with better printing qualities to execute good products. In this research work, the 3D printed samples of pure ABS and PLA were examined under dynamic mechanical analysis to study the various temperature heat, absorbing, storing, and dissipating behaviour of these samples. The results show, both ABS and PLA performed well under the heat flow categories. While comparing to conventional manufacturing technologies, these 3D printed DMA results are showing some excellent results. These polymeric samples may prepare as composites and used for various applications, for better outcomes and capabilities. Storage modulus, while taking the temperature values of ABS to 90 °C maximum and for PLA about 48 °C. This will happen, but this pure form of materials printed through FDM also has such a very good energy storing capacity. Considering the loss modulus energy dissipation in the form of heat started from 110 °C, this is one of the good signs on the fabricated technique and build quality of ABS. The continues decrease in the degree of crystallinity of the PLA and ABS increases the meshing strength noted in the damping factor.

Material-specific properties and applications of additive manufacturing techniques: a comprehensive review

Material-specific properties and applications of additive manufacturing techniques: a comprehensive review

Grain refining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by laser and wire additive manufacturing assisted with ultrasonic vibration

The formation of the coarse columnar crystal structure of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the process of additive manufacturing greatly reduces the mechanical performance of the additive manufactured parts, which hinders the applications of additive manufacturing techniques in the engineering fields. In order to refine the microstructure of the materials using the high intensity ultrasonic via the acoustic cavitation and acoustic flow effect in the process of metal solidification, an ultrasonic vibration technique was developed to a synchronous couple in the process of Laser and Wire Additive Manufacturing (LWAM) in this work. It is found that the introduction of high-intensity ultrasound effectively interrupts the epitaxial growth tendency of prior-β crystal and weakens the texture strength of prior-β crystal. The microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V alloy converts to fine columnar crystals from typical coarse columnar crystals. The simulation results confirm that the acoustic cavitation effect applied to the molten pool created by the high-intensity ultrasound is the key factor that affects the crystal characteristics.

Application of Spectroscopy in Additive Manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding material production technique that brings new opportunities in various fields as it enables fast and low-cost prototyping as well as easy customisation. However, it is still hindered by raw material selection, processing defects and final product assessment/adjustment in pre-, in- and post-processing stages. Spectroscopic techniques offer suitable inspection, diagnosis and product trouble-shooting at each stage of AM processing. This review outlines the limitations in AM processes and the prospective role of spectroscopy in addressing these challenges. An overview on the principles and applications of AM techniques is presented, followed by the principles of spectroscopic techniques involved in AM and their applications in assessing additively manufactured parts.

A survey on applications of additive manufacturing techniques in tissue engineering

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an advanced technology to produce complicated and innovative components in short period of time in the market. Day by day AM technological application areas facing healthy competition in all kind of industries. It supports the medical industry to make patient specific components for surgical applications. Fabricating the scaffolds is a difficult task in manufacturing before the year of 2000. But now a days it became an easiest one by using AM technology, and it provides the excellent support to scaffold fabrication and forms expected mechanical properties to tissue growth. Variety of biocompatible and biodegradable materials can be used for scaffolds fabrication. This material variety in AM also increases its application in medical field. This article focused to review the ASTM standard AM technology in medical field and AM technology used in scaffolds fabrication.

On the environmental impacts of 3D printing technology

The introduction of new materials is tied to the rapid development of manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing (AM) has been employed to fabricate a solid three-dimensional (3D) part directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) data. AM is an industrial process that has been widely employed in different industries in the past few years. In fact, this 3D printing is a rapid prototyping technology that involves a series of techniques. Although several challenges and limitations exist in the AM process currently, AM is expected to revolutionize the manufacturing process of engineering components. However, despite the numerous applications of AM techniques in various industries, their environmental impacts are not well documented. AM affords significant changes in production cost, energy consumption, and manufacturing lead times. All these issues have been considered to develop this technology to have higher efficiencies and lower environmental impacts. In this paper, we briefly review AM methods and discuss their environmental impacts. Furthermore, we present the main advantages and disadvantages of AM processes involving polymers. It can be concluded that AM is advantageous in some cases, exhibiting lower energy consumption and comprising shorter manufacturing processes. The analysis and discussion indicate the advantages, limitations, and future research directions for the industrial applications of AM.

Thermoelectric materials and devices fabricated by additive manufacturing

Thermoelectric (TE) materials can directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy and vice versa. However, the conversion efficiencies of TE power generators and coolers are lower than those of traditional electric generators and refrigerators. Precision control of TE material composition, development of new preparation technologies, and optimization of the geometric structures of devices are the primary strategies for enhancing conversion efficiencies. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a bottom-up synthesis approach that can produce complex geometries from three-dimensional model data. This technique has many advantages, such as rapid fabrication of complex geometric structures, mass-customization saving raw materials and time, and reduced fixturing and tooling. Therefore, additive manufacturing is particularly suitable for fabrication of almost any shape of TE material or device. Additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding topic in research and technology. The application of additive manufacturing techniques to TE materials and devices is in its infancy but is an emerging topic. This article provides a brief review of the research progress and existing problems in TE materials and devices fabricated by additive manufacturing. Several additive manufacturing techniques for TE materials and devices are highlighted: stereolithography apparatus, fused deposition modelling, selective laser melting/sintering, and solution printing. The challenges of additive manufacturing techniques for TE materials are also discussed.

3D Printing of Hierarchical Scaffolds Based on Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses (MBGs)-Fundamentals and Applications.

The advent of mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) in applied bio-sciences led to the birth of a new class of nanostructured materials combining triple functionality, that is, bone-bonding capability, drug delivery and therapeutic ion release. However, the development of hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds based on MBGs may be difficult due to some inherent drawbacks of MBGs (e.g., high brittleness) and technological challenges related to their fabrication in a multiscale porous form. For example, MBG-based scaffolds produced by conventional porogen-assisted methods exhibit a very low mechanical strength, making them unsuitable for clinical applications. The application of additive manufacturing techniques significantly improved the processing of these materials, making it easier preserving the textural and functional properties of MBGs and allowing stronger scaffolds to be produced. This review provides an overview of the major aspects relevant to 3D printing of MBGs, including technological issues and potential applications of final products in medicine.

REALITY VERSUS EXPECTATIONS IN CURRENT 3D PRINT

We have compared the development expectations and the applications of additive manufacturing techniques and the current state of the art. We have gathered past researches about the applications of these techniques in different fields, and what were the expectations or new applications and we compared them with the current state of the art. Finally, we made an anylisis about which fields or which media bring the most unrealistic expectations to the public.

Microstructural characterization, applications and process study of various additive manufacturing process: A review

Advancement in manufacturing technology, prototyping, machining etc. are concerned with material optimization, process optimization, financial optimization and sustainable development. The current review on characterization, applications and process study of various additive manufacturing (AM) processes deals with the systematic use of resources in product development. The comprehensive description on additive manufacturing techniques, its applications and needs are illustrated. The attempt is to diagnose the research gap in the process study and to forecast the new methodology and applications in the all the field like automobile, aerospace, biomedical etc. through AM. The tool making for friction stir welding purpose, complex geometries, etc. were fabricated without increasing the overall cost through AM techniques. The applications of AM techniques in composite based materials are also characterized. The comparative analysis between subtractive and additive manufacturing are highlighted and future scope is tried to identify.

Three-dimensional printing with biomaterials in craniofacial and dental tissue engineering.

With the development of technology, tissue engineering (TE) has been widely applied in the medical field. In recent years, due to its accuracy and the demands of solid freeform fabrication in TE, three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has been applied for biological scaffold fabrication in craniofacial and dental regeneration. In this review, we have compared several types of AM techniques and summarized their advantages and limitations. The range of printable materials used in craniofacial and dental tissue includes all the biomaterials. Thus, basic and clinical studies were discussed in this review to present the application of AM techniques in craniofacial and dental tissue and their advances during these years, which might provide information for further AM studies in craniofacial and dental TE.

Additive Manufacturing Approaches for Hydroxyapatite‐Reinforced Composites

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) techniques have gained interest in the tissue engineering field, thanks to their versatility and unique possibilities of producing constructs with complex macroscopic geometries and defined patterns. Recently, composite materials—namely, heterogeneous biomaterials identified as continuous phase (matrix) and reinforcement (filler)—have been proposed as inks that can be processed by AM to obtain scaffolds with improved biomimetic and bioactive properties. Significant efforts have been dedicated to hydroxyapatite (HA)‐reinforced composites, especially targeting bone tissue engineering, thanks to the chemical similarities of HA with respect to mineral components of native mineralized tissues. Herein, applications of AM techniques to process HA‐reinforced composites and biocomposites for the production of scaffolds with biological matrices, including cellular tissues, are reviewed. The primary outcomes of recent investigations in terms of morphological, structural, and in vitro and in vivo biological properties of the materials are discussed. The approaches based on the nature of the matrices employed to embed the HA reinforcements and produce the tissue substitutes are classified, and a critical discussion is provided on the presented state of the art as well as the future perspectives, to offer a comprehensive picture of the strategies investigated as well as challenges in this emerging field of materiomics.

Roadmap to 3D-Printed Oral Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Feedstock Filament Properties and Characterization for Fused Deposition Modeling

Application of additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing) for mass-customized products has boomed in the recent years. In pharmaceutical industry and research, the interest has grown particularly with the future scenario of more personalized medicinal products. Understanding a broad range of material properties and process behavior of the drug-excipient combinations is necessary for successful 3D printing of dosage forms. This commentary reviews recent 3D-printing studies by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique in pharmaceutical sciences, extending into the fields of polymer processing and rapid prototyping, where more in-depth studies on the feedstock material properties, modeling, and simulation of the FDM process have been performed. A case study of a model oral dosage form from custom-prepared indomethacin-polycaprolactone feedstock filament was used as an example in the pharmaceutical context. The printability was assessed in the different process steps: preparation of customized filaments for FDM, filament feeding, deposition, and solidification. These were linked with the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties and their characterization, relevant for understanding the printability of drug products by FDM.