An Overview on Additive Manufacturing Technology: Last Decade's Literature, Components, Generic Process, Printing Categories, Associated Materials, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Research Gaps

Abstract

Remarkable advancements have been witnessed in the domain of 3D printing technology during the past few years. It is a technique that might enhance the manufacturing process by creating tiny layers of materials from digital three-dimensional designs that are built using modern CAD software. It has a myriad of applications and is already being applied in practically every aspect of life. Many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, education, and art, have already embraced 3D printing technology for its power of customization, product’s weight reduction, waste minimization, and capacity to cope with sophisticatedly designed components. For these reasons, it may be speculated that 3D printing technology may have an extensive influence on the next industrial revolution. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present an overview of 3D printing technology: literature, components, general 3D printing steps, 3D printing categories, related materials, advantages, disadvantages, and research needs.