Design for additive manufacturing. The application to the AEC industry

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionised the field of product design by enabling more complex, customised, and innovative solutions. However, despite its potential, the integration of AM into mainstream product design faces several challenges including technical limitations, economic barriers, and design complexities. This paper explores the application of AM in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector through a qualitative research methodology combining a systematic literature review with original case studies. Key findings highlight the potential of AM for sustainability, material innovation, and design customization in product design for AEC. The study also discusses emerging implications for scalable, smart, and hybrid construction systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
The Design Journal
Published
2026-11-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2026.2748488
Primary Topic
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
article

Design for additive manufacturing. The application to the AEC industry

Bruno Acácio Ferreira Figueiredo, Filipe Brandão, Paulo J. S. Cruz
6 links
The Design Journal
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
article

Design for additive manufacturing. The application to the AEC industry

Bruno Acácio Ferreira Figueiredo, Filipe Brandão, Paulo J. S. Cruz
article en

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionised the field of product design by enabling more complex, customised, and innovative solutions. However, despite its potential, the integration of AM into mainstream product design faces several challenges including technical limitations, economic barriers, and design complexities. This paper explores the application of AM in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector through a qualitative research methodology combining a systematic literature review with original case studies. Key findings highlight the potential of AM for sustainability, material innovation, and design customization in product design for AEC. The study also discusses emerging implications for scalable, smart, and hybrid construction systems.

The Design Journal
Laboratório de Paisagens Património e Território (PT), University of Minho (PT)
European Regional Development Fund
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon