Additive Manufacturing: An Overview of Printing Technologies

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a revolution for the manufacturing industries. The application of these techniques received extensive demand because of their efficient and economical approach. Among AM techniques, 4D printing is an emerging segment in additive manufacturing employing time-responsive programmable materials. Combining 3D printing technologies with materials capable of transforming, possessing shape memory and self-healing abilities, realizes complex structures to be effortlessly constructed for numerous applications. The benefits of using multifunctional materials in 4D printing give possible solutions in demanding environments like outer space and unlikely human interference in severe weather conditions. 5D printing technology is also an innovation in this manufacturing sector and the concept is similar to the 3D printing technique including two axes of rotating head and printing bed. Every technique has some special abilities and drawbacks as well. This review shows the overview of the 3D, 4D, and 5D technologies, the materials used, applications, technical challenges, and the comparative study of these techniques. The conclusion of this review shows that the 5D printing technology is the most reliable and has better output quality and less time-consuming technique compared with the other 3D and 4D techniques.