3D Printing Technology and Its Development

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are transforming the design and manufacture of components and products across many disciplines, but their application in the construction industry is still limited. Material deposition processes can achieve infinite geometries. They have advanced from rapid prototyping and model-scale markets to applications in the fabrication of functional products, large objects, and the construction of full-scale buildings. Many international projects have been realised in recent years, and the construction industry is beginning to make use of such dynamic technologies. Advantages of integrating 3D printing with house construction are significant. They include the capacity for mass customisation of designs and parameters to meet functional and aesthetic purposes, the reduction in construction waste from highly precise placement of materials, and the use of recycled waste products in layer deposition materials. With the ultimate goal of improving construction efficiency and decreasing building costs, the researchers applied Strand 7 Finite Element Analysis software to a numerical model designed for 3D printing a cement mix that incorporates the recycled waste product high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The result: construction of an arched, truss-like roof was found to be structurally feasible in the absence of steel reinforcements, and lab-sized prototypes were manufactured according to the numerical model with 3D printing technology. 3D printing technologies can now be customised to building construction. This paper discusses the applications, advantages, limitations, and future directions of this innovative and viable solution to affordable housing construction.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has arrived and is changing a philisophy of “management.” A 3D-printed product is made from a powder or resin and can virtually shape any item from a digital graphics file. This new printing device, however, poses several unforeseen questions. The 3D printing technology calls for time and cost considerations. Once a private firm actually begins to operationalize the new technology, it will have to measure both merit and demerit in terms of a ‘before-and after adaptation’ perspective, in addition to a future prospect of further advantages the device might bring. Similarly, perhaps this is the most important, the use of this new technology might part away with the significant role and function of the core technology in production of different matters. Considering these topics, this study attempts to focus on the 3D printing technology and its influence on technology management. It specifically discusses the impact of 3D printing technology applied to manufacturing companies on their cost, time, quality and activities. To answer this question, a cost structure is developed using the IDKKH method. The cost calculation is also considered using the Cost-Matrix method. After making model and matrix, possibilities are shown as research collaborators and outsourcing selection to organize with the concept of technology management. Through these analyses, problems are clarified, and the discussions indicate the results of introducing 3D printing technology, R & D innovation, and technology management

Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology offer immense potential in fabricating scaffolds and implants for various biomedical applications, especially for bone repair and regeneration. As the availability of autologous bone sources and commercial products is limited and surgical methods do not help in complete regeneration, it is necessary to develop alternative approaches for repairing large segmental bone defects. The 3D printing technology can effectively integrate different types of living cells within a 3D construct made up of conventional micro- or nanoscale biomaterials to create an artificial bone graft capable of regenerating the damaged tissues. This article reviews the developments and applications of 3D printing in bone tissue engineering and highlights the numerous conventional biomaterials and nanomaterials that have been used in the production of 3D-printed scaffolds. A comprehensive overview of the 3D printing methods such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and ink-jet 3D printing, and their technical and clinical applications in bone repair and regeneration has been provided. The review is expected to be useful for readers to gain an insight into the state-of-the-art of 3D printing of bone substitutes and their translational perspectives.

This study uses bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping methods to systematically explore the emerging research frontiers and development trajectories of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the application of brain surgery, and provides new clues and research directions for future research by exploring hotspots and new topics. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through the Scientific Citation Index Core Collection (WoSCC) database on March 21, 2025 to identify relevant articles and reviews published between January 2015 and December 2024 on the application of 3D printing technology in brain surgery. For data analysis and visualization, we used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to conduct rigorous bibliometric analysis and build knowledge domain maps. The authors' analysis covered 2982 papers contributed by 5550 authors from 1174 institutions in 90 regions, published in 236 journals. The authors have observed a steady increase in the number of publications annually, with Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania leading the way in research output. The United States is in a leading position in research in this field. The University of London became the leading research institution in this field. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery has made significant contributions to this field, with Tillinger Florian M being the most published and cited author. The most influential research hotspots focus on virtual surgical planning, tissue engineering, 3D printing and finite element analysis. The latest hotspots and research frontiers include 3D printing, augmented reality and reconstructive surgery. 3D printing technology has made significant progress in the field of brain surgery and has become a research frontier for continuous development in the field of medical innovation.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies enables fast prototyping of complex 3D objects with ever improving printing qualities. To date, 3D printing has been found useful in areas such as manufacturing, industrial design, aerospace, dental and medical industries, and many others. In this article, we review recent advances of 3D printing technologies for terahertz (THz) applications. Different 3D printing technologies and printable materials are first discussed and compared. 3D-printed THz components and devices, which are categorized as waveguides/fibers, antennas, and quasi-optical components, are further demonstrated. It is found that the performances and functionalities of 3D-printed THz devices have been greatly enhanced, while the operating frequencies have been increased from the lower end of THz range to over 1 THz region. With further development of novel materials and printing techniques, it is believed that 3D printing technologies will play an important role in the realization of THz components for efficient control and manipulation of THz waves.

For decades we have used printers to print superheroes on the pages of comic books but could printing technologies actually be used to print real life superheroes? 3D and functional printing technologies have advanced greatly in recent years and even though these technologies cannot be used to print heroes themselves, they can certainly be used for equipment manufacturing. One character that could or may use 3D printing to rapidly produce prototypes and final versions of new technologies is Tony Stark. As the inventor and primary user of the Iron Man suit, Stark has designed a wearable suit that is not only a weapon but also protects him. However, in battle the suit can become damaged and require urgent repairs. To aid in these repairs, Tony Stark could turn to 3D printing technologies to produce new components for the suit. In this paper we will outline 3D printing technologies and describe their current applications. We will then discuss how 3D printing is being used to print electronics and the ramifications for Tony Stark, his Iron Man suit and the potential use for a real Iron Man suit.

Due to the multi-purpose and multi-collaboration nature of BIM technology, it makes the application of BIM not only the presentation of the structural model, but also the related construction progress and the embodiment of the construction process. It is this multi-functional use that makes BIM technology popular in the industry. 3D printing technology, on the other hand, when used in the field of engineering and construction, mainly prints out parts or all of the structure, and also ensures accuracy and speed. Linking the two will make the future of the related industry in a sudden development. Based on this, this paper will conduct an in-depth study on the application of 3D printing and BIM technology in the direction of bridges, aiming to promote the integration of the civil engineering field with the intelligent manufacturing scene and lay a solid foundation for the construction of modern society.

3D printing technologies for electrochemical energy storage

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows foods to be shaped into unique and complex. Chocolate is frequently used in food printing due to its extrusion melting capacity and attractiveness. In this study, chocolates enriched with ω-3 were produced with 3D printing technology. Using electrospraying, ω-3 was encapsulated within sodium alginate (SA) microparticles, and 3D printed chocolates were coated with those microparticles. Then, the ω-3 blend and ω-3-SA coated chocolates were compared. Before printing, the rheological properties of chocolate were analysed. In addition to their characteristics, the printed chocolates were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and ω-3 release profile. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that ω-3 was successfully incorporated into the SA particles. According to the mechanical testing, the chocolate structures coated with ω-3-SA exhibited higher compressive strength than structures mixed with ω-3. The results revealed that the incorporation of alginate into pure chocolate scaffolds through the coating process resulted in an increase in compressive strength. The TPC and antioxidant capacities of ω-3-SA microparticles (NP) coated and ω-3 mixed chocolate samples were also significantly increased compared to those of pure chocolate after in vitro digestion. ω-3-SA NP-coated chocolate appeared to have a lower quality release profile. The faster release of encapsulated ω-3 at a pH value of 7 may be attributed to the fact that sodium alginate particles dissolve faster in high pH environments. This study revealed that 3D printing technology could be actively leveraged to create food-based products with the necessary ingredients to meet consumer demand.

4D printing applications in medical field: A brief review

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is becoming a promising method for fabricating highly complex ceramics owing to the arbitrary design and the infinite combination of materials. Insufficient density is one of the main problems with 3D printed ceramics, but concentrated descriptions of making dense ceramics are scarce. This review specifically introduces the principles of the four 3D printing technologies and focuses on the parameters of each technology that affect the densification of 3D printed ceramics, such as the performance of raw materials and the interaction between energy and materials. The technical challenges and suggestions about how to achieve higher ceramic density are presented subsequently. The goal of the presented work is to comprehend the roles of critical parameters in the subsequent 3D printing process to prepare dense ceramics that can meet the practical applications.

Food 3D printing technology holds significant potential for personalized nutrition and the customization of 3D structures with specific shapes and textures. This emerging technology is driving significant innovations in food processing and manufacturing. This article reviews the current research and development opportunities in food 3D printing, with a focus on various types of 3D food printing technologies. We offer novel insights into the behavioral characteristics of various 3D printing techniques during the printing process, while also highlighting that the successful development of 3D-printed food products relies on four critical factors: (1) adaptability, (2) printability, (3) food safety, and (4) consumer acceptance. Special emphasis is placed on the application and potential challenges of 3D printing technology, aiming to foster technological breakthroughs and industrial applications, ultimately offering consumers safer, smarter, and more personalized food choices.

Background: Using 3D printing technology, novel items can be created from various materials, including edible ones, addressing the growing importance of sustainable food chains and personalized nutrition. As the latest advancement in additive manufacturing, 3D printing meets diverse customer demands by producing customized food items tailored to individual nutritional needs. Objectives: This literature evaluation focuses on the applications, technical advancements, and future possibilities of 3D food printing. By assessing recent developments, the study explores its adaptability and transformative potential in addressing global issues such as sustainability and personalized nutrition. Methods: To include up-to-date and relevant data, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for research on "3D Food Printing," "Food Technology," "Food Formulation," and "Customized Diet" from 2018 to 2024. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted on 31 reports selected from 687 search results after removing duplicates and applying filters. Discussions: The study highlights the use of 3D food printers for creating dairy products, fish and meat, pasta, biscuits, chocolates, and cereal-based foods. Applications span industries such as space food, elderly and school children's nutrition, military food, hospitals, and restaurants. Future research directions include food characterization through color analysis, moisture content, water activity, physiochemical properties, and microbiological studies. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential advantages of 3D food printing technology, including healthier food options, novel dining experiences, and diet customization. It underscores its transformative capacity to impact the global economy while addressing sustainability and personalized nutrition challenges.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has rapidly emerged as a transformative tool in medicine, enabling the conversion of two-dimensional scans into highly accurate 3D models. This technology, especially when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced materials, offers numerous applications in surgical planning, simulation-based training, and patient-specific care. Methods: This review examines current literature and case studies on the use of 3D printing technology in various fields of medicine, especially in surgical specialties. Key applications include surgical planning, mock surgeries, biopsy guide creation, and customized implant fabrication across various surgical fields. Results: 3D printing is transforming surgery by enabling precise visualization of tumors and critical structures, significantly enhancing preoperative planning for conditions such as bone, soft tissue (e.g., neuroblastomas), renal, and maxillofacial tumors. In reconstruction surgeries, patient-specific 3D-printed implants ensure better anatomical compatibility, particularly in maxillofacial, neurosurgical, and vascular applications. Puncture guides improve procedural accuracy in interventions like percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Detailed anatomical models aid in simulation-based training, increasing preparedness for complex procedures. Additionally, patient-specific implants and AI-integrated decision support systems are paving the way for more personalized and efficient surgical care. Conclusions: 3D printing technology, especially when combined with AI, is reshaping modern surgery by improving both accuracy, safety, and personalized healthcare. Its applications extend across multiple specialties, offering new possibilities in surgical planning, training, and patient-specific treatments. As AI and bioprinting continue to evolve, the potential for real-time applications, such as live-printed tissue implants and enhanced decision support, could drive the next phase of innovation in various fields.

To explore feasibility of 3D metal printing technology combined with virtual design proximal clavicle anatomical plate. A 52-year-old male healthy volunteer was retrospectively selected to design proximal clavicle anatomical plate system by using Mimics15.01,NX12.0 and other software. STL data were input into 3D printer to print 1:1 clavicle model and proximal clavicle anatomical plate. The fit of the plate was tested in vitro and the accuracy of screw position was evaluated by imaging. Printing time of model,nail path design and fabrication time of the anatomical plate at proximal clavicle were recorded. The 3D metal printing proximal clavicle anatomical plate fitted well to clavicle model,orientation of proximal clavicle locking screw was accurate,and X-ray and CT scan showed the screw position was good. Printing time of model,the time of nail path design,and the time of making anatomical plate of proximal clavicle were 120,15 and 300 min respectively. The proximal clavicular anatomical plate system based on 3D metal printing technology could achieve good lamination of proximal clavicular fracture plate and precise screw placement,providing a new and accurate surgical method for the treatment of the proximal clavicular fracture.