Review on additive manufacturing at the forefront: Exploring recent developments and industry applications

Abstract. Additive manufacturing (AM) has experienced significant growth in academia and industry, driven by its ability to produce complex geometries. This technology continues to evolve, addressing initial limitations and expanding its use across various industries. Public interest in additive manufacturing is rising due to its diverse opportunities and applications. This article outlines the fundamentals of the technology, emphasizing key benefits and drawbacks. AM offers design flexibility, mass customization, waste reduction, complex structure production, and rapid prototyping. A detailed review was conducted on key 3D printing methods, materials, and their advancements, focusing on groundbreaking applications in biomedical, aerospace, construction, and protective structures. The integration of engineering design with AM has progressed more slowly than expected. This paper highlights key opportunities, limitations, and economic factors in Design for Additive Manufacturing. It examines challenges related to designing and redesigning for both direct and indirect AM production methods.