Fundamentals of Additive Manufacturing Techniques: Polymer, Metal, and Ceramics

In the 21st century, 3D printing technology has brought a major change in product design and manufacturing. This disruptive production method creates structures with complex geometries by successively adding layers, which traditional methods cannot achieve. 3D printing innovations within medical applications have demonstrated substantial advancements of biological constructs, as well as prosthetics and patient-specific implants, which provide better anatomical compatibility. Due to dental applications, the production speed of crowns and aligners has improved, resulting in shorter periods of patients’ waiting time. The integration of aerospace technology allows orbital platforms to produce replacement components in space, and reduces their need for terrestrial product delivery. The International Space Station keeps active and operational additive manufacturing (AM) systems for generating products when needed. Scientific studies are active for determining how extraterrestrial regolith can serve as a material to construct habitable infrastructure on lunar and Martian surfaces. The application space of 3D printing remains almost unexplored since it lacks agricultural solutions for resourceful food creation, and architectural solutions for new construction systems and 4D printing technologies, which enable objects to adjust due to environmental signals.