Representative Volume Element in Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Mold Production: A Comprehensive Structured Review

In recent years, the use of Representative Volume Elements (RVE) in photopolymerization additive manufacturing (AM) for mold production has attracted significant attention for its potential to enhance material performance and structural reliability. This systematic literature review (SLR) provides a structured analysis of recent developments in RVE applications within photopolymerization techniques. It focuses on their effectiveness in addressing the challenges of dimensional precision, mechanical strength, and thermal stability in AM molds. The review addresses the need for a consolidated understanding of RVE’s role in optimizing photopolymerization processes to achieve superior mold quality for industrial applications. A comprehensive search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines across established databases, for instance, Scopus as well as Web of Science (WoS), emphasizing research published from the year 2022 to 2024 . A total of 26 relevant articles were analyzed, categorizing findings into three key themes: (1) hybrid and multi-material manufacturing techniques, (2) material-specific AM and characterization, and (3) applications and performance enhancements in AM. Results indicate that RVE integration in photopolymerization AM techniques can improve mold properties by up to 30%, with advancements in fiber orientation and controlled curing processes contributing significantly to performance. This review highlights RVE’s critical role in advancing photopolymerization AM for mold production and suggests further research into standardized RVE methodologies for scalable and high-performance mold applications. The findings offer valuable insights for industries seeking reliable and efficient manufacturing solutions through AM innovations.