Methods for Additive Manufacturing: A Critical Review on Advancements and Challenge

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the area that is making significant progress in terms of methods, materials, and performance of manufactured parts. A periodic assessment of the understanding of AM processes and their evolution is required as the field is growing rapidly. To address this requirement, this paper presents a detailed overview of the methods, materials used, and the related challenges of additive manufacturing (AM). A critical review of the prior art materials in the fields of metals and alloys, polymers, ceramics, and biomaterials categories is presented along with their uses, advantages, and problems associated with microstructural formation. The mechanical properties are controlled and connected by process parameters. The perspectives and status of different materials in the manufacture of thin-walled structures using AM techniques were also discussed. In addition, the main challenges in AM techniques such as inaccuracy, surface quality, reinforcement, distribution, and other common problems were discussed and identified from the literature presented. Overall, this paper offers a comprehensive outlook on AM technologies, challenges and future research directions.