Additive Manufacturing Using Multi-Materials: Materials, Processes, and Applications
André F V Pedroso1,2, Francisco J G Silva1,3, Alexandra Gavina1
1CIDEM, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
Polymers
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) enables complex, customized parts by combining materials. This review consolidates understanding of MMAM processes, materials, and applications, highlighting its manufacturing potential.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Additive Manufacturing (AM) revolutionizes production with complex geometry capabilities.
- Recent advancements focus on multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) for enhanced part performance and customization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of AM processes, focusing on MMAM evolution and implementation.
- To analyze various AM technologies, material pairing, and process parameters through literature review.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of publicly available scientific literature on MMAM.
- Analysis of different AM technologies and material combination strategies.
- Comparative assessment of additive versus conventional manufacturing.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in material compatibility, interface bonding, and process integration for MMAM.
- Enabling production of multifunctional and performance-optimized components.
- Identification of diverse MMAM applications in aerospace, biomedical, and industrial sectors.
Conclusions:
- MMAM is a critical advancement offering expanded design freedom and functional integration in manufacturing.
- Continued research is vital to address challenges in material compatibility, scalability, and standardization for MMAM.
