Received 29 May 2012; Accepted 17 June 2012 | Kaufui V. Wong and Aldo Hernandez
This review article by Kaufui V. Wong and Aldo Hernandez discusses the evolution and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Additive manufacturing, which involves creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a computer-aided design (CAD) file converted to a stereolithography (STL) file, has seen significant growth and development since its inception in the 1980s. The article highlights the key processes such as stereolithography (SL), Polyjet, fused deposition modeling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), 3D printing (3DP), Prometal, selective laser sintering (SLS), electron beam melting (EBM), and others. These processes have found applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medicine, architecture, and art.
The article emphasizes the benefits of AM, such as the ability to create lightweight structures, rapid prototyping, and the creation of complex shapes. However, it also notes that there are limitations, including the need for post-processing, the availability of materials, and the accuracy of the processes. The strength of products made through AM is reviewed, with studies comparing the properties of different processes. Despite these challenges, the continuous growth and successful results suggest that AM will play a significant role in the future of manufacturing.
The article concludes by discussing the potential of AM in various fields, including lightweight machine design, architectural modeling, medical applications, fuel cell manufacturing, and art. It also addresses the growing availability of AM technologies for hobbyists and non-industrial users. Overall, the review underscores the potential of AM to revolutionize manufacturing and its growing impact on various industries.This review article by Kaufui V. Wong and Aldo Hernandez discusses the evolution and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Additive manufacturing, which involves creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a computer-aided design (CAD) file converted to a stereolithography (STL) file, has seen significant growth and development since its inception in the 1980s. The article highlights the key processes such as stereolithography (SL), Polyjet, fused deposition modeling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), 3D printing (3DP), Prometal, selective laser sintering (SLS), electron beam melting (EBM), and others. These processes have found applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medicine, architecture, and art.
The article emphasizes the benefits of AM, such as the ability to create lightweight structures, rapid prototyping, and the creation of complex shapes. However, it also notes that there are limitations, including the need for post-processing, the availability of materials, and the accuracy of the processes. The strength of products made through AM is reviewed, with studies comparing the properties of different processes. Despite these challenges, the continuous growth and successful results suggest that AM will play a significant role in the future of manufacturing.
The article concludes by discussing the potential of AM in various fields, including lightweight machine design, architectural modeling, medical applications, fuel cell manufacturing, and art. It also addresses the growing availability of AM technologies for hobbyists and non-industrial users. Overall, the review underscores the potential of AM to revolutionize manufacturing and its growing impact on various industries.