Innovation in Additive Manufacturing Using Polymers: A Survey on the Technological and Material Developments.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly advancing due to technological innovations.
• Current limitations in polymeric AM require further research and development.
• Technological and physico-chemical perspectives are crucial for improving AM processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent technological and physico-chemical advances in polymeric materials' additive manufacturing.
• To analyze the advantages and limitations of current AM techniques.
• To explore innovations in materials for enhanced AM capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current state-of-the-art in AM technologies.
• Detailed overview of material extrusion and VAT-photopolymerization improvements.
• Review of material innovations including reinforced, high-temperature, and smart polymers.

Main Results:

• Identified key areas for AM improvement: part size, continuous processing, fabrication time, support reduction, and multi-material fabrication.
• Highlighted advancements in material extrusion and VAT-photopolymerization techniques.
• Explored the potential of reinforced, high-temperature, smart, and sustainable polymers in AM.

Conclusions:

• Technological and material innovations are essential for overcoming current challenges in polymeric AM.
• Future AM development will benefit from multi-material capabilities and advanced polymer formulations.
• The integration of smart and sustainable materials will expand the applications of 3D printed polymers.