Customized Additive Manufacturing in Bone Scaffolds-The Gateway to Precise Bone Defect Treatment.

PurposeIn this era of Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing (AM) has been recognized as one of the nine technologies of Industry 4.0 that will revolutionize different sectors (such as manufacturing and industrial production). Therefore, this study aims to focus on “Additive Manufacturing Education” and the primary aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of AM technology at selected South African universities and develop a proposed framework for effective AM education using South African universities as the case study.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research approach was used in this study, that is, a survey (questionnaire) was designed specifically to investigate the impacts of the existing AM technology/education and the facilities at the selected South African universities. The survey was distributed to several students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and the academic staffs within the selected universities. The questionnaire contained structured questions based on five factors/variables and followed by two open-ended questions. The data were collected and analyzed using statistical tools and were interpreted accordingly (i.e. both the closed and open-ended questions). The hypotheses were stated, tested and accepted. In conclusion, the framework for AM education at the universities was developed.FindingsBased on different literature reviewed on “framework for AM technology and education”, there is no specific framework that centers on AM education and this makes it difficult to find an existing framework for AM education to serve as a landscape to determine the new framework for AM education at the universities. Therefore, the results from this study made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in AM, most especially in the area of education. The significant positive responses from the respondents have shown that the existing AM in-house facilities at the selected South African universities is promoting AM education and research activities. This study also shows that a number of students at the South African universities have access to AM/3D printing lab for design and research purposes. Furthermore, the findings show that the inclusion of AM education in the curriculum of both the science and engineering education is South Africa will bring very positive results. The introduction of a postgraduate degree in AM such as MSc or MEng in AM will greatly benefit the South African universities and different industries because it will increase the number of AM experts and professionals. Through literature review, this study was able to identify five factors (which includes sub-factors) that are suitable for the development of a framework for AM education, and this framework is expected to serve as base-line or building block for other universities globally to build/develop their AM journey.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was distributed to 200 participants and 130 completed questionnaires were returned. The target audience for the survey was mainly university students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) and the academics who have access to AM machines or have used the AM/3D printing lab/facilities on their campuses for both academic and research purposes. Therefore, one of the limitations of the survey is the limited sample size; however, the sample size for this survey is considered suitable for this type of research and would allow generalization of the findings. Nevertheless, future research on this study should use larger sample size for purpose of results generalization. In addition, this study is limited to quantitative research methodology; future study should include qualitative research method. Irrespective of any existing or developed framework, there is always a need to further improve the existing framework, and therefore, the proposed framework for AM education in this study contained only five factors/variables and future should include some other factors (AM commercialization, AM continuous Improvement, etc.) to further enhance the framework.Practical implicationsThis study provides the readers and researchers within the STEM education, industry or engineering education/educators to see the importance of the inclusion of AM in the university curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. More so, this study serves as a roadmap for AM initiative at the universities and provides necessary factors to be considered when the universities are considering or embarking on AM education/research journey at their universities. It also serves as a guideline or platform for various investors or individual organization to see the need to invest in AM education.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study towards the existing body of knowledge in AM technology, specifically “AM education research” is in the form of proposed framework for AM education at the universities which would allow the government sectors/industry/department/bodies and key players in AM in South Africa and globally to see the need to invest significantly towards the advancement of AM technology, education and research activities at various universities.

Chapter 1 - Overview of additive manufacturing technology and materials

3D printing, also known as Additive manufacturing (AM), has emerged as a transformative technology with applications across various industries, including the medical sector. This review paper provides an overview of the current status of AM technology, its challenges, and its application in the medical industry. The paper covers the different types of AM technologies, such as fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, digital light processing, binder jetting, and electron beam melting, and their suitability for medical applications. The most commonly used biomedical materials in AM, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, composite, and bio-inks, are also viewed. The challenges of AM technology, such as material selection, accuracy, precision, regulatory compliance, cost and quality control, and standardization, are also discussed. The review also highlights the various applications of AM in the medical sector, including the production of patient-specific surgical guides, prosthetics, orthotics, and implants. Finally, the review highlights the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and artificial intelligence (AI) for regulatory frameworks and safety standards for 3D-printed biomedical devices. The review concludes that AM technology can transform the healthcare industry by enabling patients to access more personalized and reasonably priced treatment alternatives. Despite the challenges, integrating AI and IoMT with 3D printing technology is expected to play a vital role in the future of biomedical device applications, leading to further advancements and improvements in patient care. More research is needed to address the challenges and optimize its use for medical applications to utilize AM's potential in the medical industry fully.

Background: Mandibular defects caused by trauma or tumor resection pose significant challenges in both functional and aesthetic reconstruction. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies offer promising solutions for surgical planning and personalized treatment. Objectives: This review aims to evaluate current trends in the application of AM technologies for mandibular resection and reconstruction, with a particular focus on material selection, clinical integration, and technology-specific advantages. Methods: A structured literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies published between January 2020 and May 2025 were screened using the following inclusion criteria: original peer-reviewed English-language research involving AM in mandibular surgery. The exclusion criteria included review articles, non-English sources, and non-mandibular studies. A total of 77 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. Results: Based on the literature review conducted from 2020 to 2025, the most common restorative methods for the mandible using additively manufactured models include reconstruction with a titanium surgical plate bent to the curvature of the edges and angle of the mandible or a personalized titanium or PEEK surgical plate made directly based on the patient’s diagnosis. Implants made of Ti-6AL-4V ELI and bioceramic scaffolds are also used in the reconstruction process. They are developed based on patient diagnostic data and effectively replace the loss of mandibular bone structure. In addition, based on models and surgical guides created using additive manufacturing techniques, the performance of autogenous grafts from the fibula or iliac crest has improved significantly when used with a titanium implant plate. Conclusions: Additive manufacturing supports highly personalized and accurate mandibular reconstruction. The advantages of these methods include a reduced overall duration of procedures, a lower health risk for patients due to less reliance on general anesthesia, a near perfect match between the implant and the remaining hard tissues, and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. However, success depends on the appropriate selection AM technology and material, particularly in load-bearing applications.

Metal Powder Production for Additive Manufacturing

Purpose Manufacturing companies still struggle to integrate additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with existing traditional manufacturing technologies. This paper explores AM technology integration into a global manufacturing company from an operational capability perspective. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted using a single case study in collaboration with a global heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer. Data were collected through a focus group and interviews representing management and engineering roles. Additional data were collected from meetings, company documents, field notes and observations. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed thematically. Findings The findings reveal that, despite the company embarking on its AM technology integration journey, it encountered challenges, including cognitive fixation, manufacturing fixation, situational awareness, ambiguous ownership and the make-or-buy dilemma. Furthermore, the findings showed that the company developed operational capabilities – such as developing proficiency in AM know-how, continuous use of AM technology, operational practices for AM technology, cross-collaboration for AM initiatives and business cases for AM technology – to address these challenges. A facilitation model was developed, outlining essential actions prioritized for the short-term, mid-term and long-term. These actions leverage the operational capabilities to address challenges in AM technology integration. Originality/value This paper offers an in-depth exploration of AM technology integration in a global heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer. It introduces a novel application of operational capability theory and proposes a facilitation model for managers and academics in pursuit of achieving AM technology integration.

Fundamentals of Mechanical Design and Analysis for AM Fabricated Parts

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies continuously evolve in materials and operational processes. However, challenges related to energy consumption, material reuse efficiency, and the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles may impede the overall sustainability of AM processes. As many industrial sectors adopt AM technologies, there is a growing need for innovative tools, methods, and frameworks that guide companies toward more sustainable and circular production practices. This shift involves improving resource efficiency and fostering new Circular Business Models that emphasize material recovery, product lifecycle extension, and waste minimization. This study assesses current and future trends in the development of sustainable AM technologies for processing metal feedstock, based on a comprehensive patent analysis covering the period from 2004 to 2024. We specifically focus on the sustainability impacts of Electron and Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB, PBF-LB) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED), given their widespread industrial applications. Patents were categorized into three groups: materials, processes, and components. Furthermore, AM technologies were analyzed according to their role within the production cycle: materials preparation, pre-processing, manufacturing, and post-processing. This categorization allows for a detailed understanding of how innovations in AM contribute to more sustainable production and consumption practices by improving energy efficiency, material usage, circularity, and overall environmental impact.

The regenerated bone-scaffold preparation method based on additive manufacturing shows great potential for application in the field of biological manufacturing and has been paid more and more attention to. The path planning methods directly affects the structure characteristics of the prepared scaffold, which largely determines the final cell culture and tissue repair effects. Currently the path planning methods in typical additive manufacturing for industrial and civil fields cannot be fully applied to the preparation of bone scaffolds, and the three-dimensional structure which effectively simulates extracellular matrix structure characteristics cannot be obtained. To solve this problem, the method of path planning is proposed for biological regenerated bone scaffold preparation based on additive extrusion manufacturing. The compensation of the material size deformation in the forming process is considered in this method, which effectively meets the demand for complex contour and gradient pore structure. On this basis, the software system architecture of the additive extrusion forming system for regenerated bone scaffold, as well as the implementation methods and results is given. Finally, the performance of the scaffold is verified through the forming experiment. The research results provide important value and significance on the development of biological additive manufacturing equipment.

Cranial reconstruction: 3D biomodel and custom-built implant created using additive manufacturing

Many energy systems demand heat transfer at high temperatures to keep up with high demand for power, so high‐temperature material that can perform and last under these harsh conditions is needed for heat exchangers. The engineering requirements for these high‐temperature heat exchanger material call for high thermal conductivity, high resistance to fracture, high resistance to creep deformation, environmental stability in environments associated with the application, and high modulus of elasticity while maintaining low cost to make and maintain. Naturally, ceramics are a good solution for this endeavor. In the past, high‐temperature heat exchangers made from ceramics have been used. We provide examples of ceramics in relevant heat exchange applications and provide motivation where additive manufacturing (AM) can improve efficiency. AM for the relevant material is under development, and we provide insight on the AM of ceramic materials and examples of AM heat exchangers keeping cost in mind. The motivation of the review paper is to provide a framework for material and manufacturing selection for high‐temperature heat exchangers for AM to keep up with the demand for better efficiency, better material, better manufacturing, and cost moving forward with AM technology in high‐temperature ceramic heat exchangers.

Additive manufacturing of cementitious composites: Materials, methods, potentials, and challenges

The paper aims to bridge the gap between the theoretical potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and its practical implementation for spare parts management, offering a potential contribution to practitioners in emerging countries. The paper proposes a structured framework for adopting Additive Manufacturing (AM) in spare parts supply chains by first evaluating suitable production methods and then proposing three distinct integration strategies at the enterprise, supplier, and corporate levels.The research adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the databases Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The literature relates to AM, spare parts production, and Supply Chain Management (SCM) challenges. Based on the reviewed papers, suitable AM technologies for spare parts production were identified and analysed to outline their potential across multiple characteristics. After that, papers on SCM were reviewed to develop a simplified framework for implementing spare parts using AM across three distinct integration strategies. The framework is tailored to respond to the needs of practitioners in emerging economies.The results demonstrate that suitable AM technologies should be selected for spare parts production, based on several criteria, including mechanical characteristics, materials, and cost. The paper confirms that implementing spare parts production using AM is feasible in emerging countries by adapting one of the three practical frameworks to each company's situation. Additional recommendations are provided to enable the combination of AM technologies with a conventional manufacturing system.The study is primarily limited by its reliance on theoretical literature rather than empirical studies, which may limit the direct applicability of the findings in industry. Nonetheless, it focused approach provides a foundational framework that researchers and practitioners can adapt and test in industrial contexts, especially in emerging economies.The research provides researchers and practitioners in emerging economies with a direct, actionable tool for selecting the AM technology to produce spare parts. It offers a clear roadmap to strategically integrate AM into their production within a conventional manufacturing system.The paper compares AM methods for the production of spare parts and presents preliminary insight into their SCM. The finding aims to enhance research on AM and its integration with conventional manufacturing systems in emerging countries.

This paper focuses on an emerging manufacturing technology called Additive Manufacturing (AM) and its potential to become a more efficient and cleaner manufacturing alternative. This work is built around selected case companies, where the benefit of AM compared to other more traditional technologies is studied through the comparison of resource consumption. The resource consumption is defined as raw materials and energy input. The scope of this work is the application of AM in the scale model kit industry. The method used is the life cycle inventory study, which is a subtype of life cycle assessment (LCA). The result of the paper is the quantification of raw materials and energy consumption. The outcomes shows that AM has higher efficiency in terms of materials usage, as a higher proportion of materials ending up in the final product. Injection Molding (IM), on the other hand, wastes a significant proportion of raw materials in components that are not part of the final product. If the same or similar raw materials are used in both manufacturing methods, the advantage is clearly with AM. However, AM has higher energy consumption in comparison to the injection molding technique (IM). In terms of energy consumption, AM only has an advantage in this area when working with a very low production volume. The analysis of the energy consumption shows that most of the energy used in AM is to create the final product, while IM only uses a fraction of the total energy to produce the final product. AM technologies are still very new but have the potential for development and reduction of energy consumption in the future. Added to this potential is the higher materials usage efficiency of AM, which reduce the waste of materials and the energy, embedded in them. These two factors are likely to position AM as cleaner manufacturing alternative.

This study was aimed at preparing zirconia samples via additive manufacturing (AM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) and testing the following aspects: (1) the manufacturing accuracy of the zirconia samples and (2) the bond strength of porcelain to zirconia to evaluate the applicability of the zirconia fabricated by AM in dental clinics. We used three milling machines for SM (AR, K5, and UP) and a 3D printer for AM (AO). The manufacturing accuracy of the zirconia specimen in the internal and marginal areas was evaluated by superimposing techniques to calculate the root mean square (RMS) values. The bond strengths of porcelain to zirconia prepared via SM and AM were measured using a universal testing machine. The internal and marginal RMS values of the zirconia prepared by AM (AO) were within the range of those of the zirconia prepared by SM (AR, K5, and UP). Moreover, the bond strength value of the zirconia prepared by AM (35.12 ± 4.09 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the zirconia prepared by SM (30.26 ± 5.20 MPa). Therefore, AM technology has significant potential for applications in dentistry.