Fundamentals and applications of 3D printing for novel materials

• Published in: Applied materials today Vol. 7; pp. 120 - 133
• Main Authors: Lee, Jian-Yuan, An, Jia, Chua, Chee Kai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2017
• Subjects: 3D Printing; Additive manufacturing; Biomaterials; Composites; Smart materials; 3D Printing; Composites; Additive manufacturing; Smart materials; Biomaterials
• ISSN: 2352-9407; 2352-9415
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2017.02.004

[Display omitted] •AM processes are classified based on ISO/ASTM standard and typical commercial materials are listed.•Fundamentals of AM process categories in terms of speed, resolution and specific energy are discussed.•Recent applications of new additive manufacturing (AM) materials such as smart materials, ceramics, electronics, biomaterials and composites are reviewed.•3D printing is no longer a standalone process but an integral part of a multi-process system or an integrated process of multiple systems. 3D printing is emerging as an enabling technology for a wide range of new applications. From fundamentals point of view, the available materials, fabrication speed, and resolution of 3D printing processes must be considered for each specific application. This review provides a basic understanding of fundamentals of 3D printing processes and the recent development of novel 3D printing materials such as smart materials, ceramic materials, electronic materials, biomaterials and composites. It should be noted that the versatility of 3D printing materials comes from the variety of 3D printing systems, and all the new printers or processes for novel materials have not gone beyond the seven categories defined in ISO/ASTM standard. However, 3D printing should never be seen as a standalone process, it is becoming an integral part of a multi-process system or an integrated process of multiple systems to match the development of novel materials and new requirements of products.