Opportunities for the Application of 3D Printing in the Critical Infrastructure System

Abstract

The present article presents an analysis of the potential application of 3D printing in the critical infrastructure system. An attempt has been made to develop case studies for selected critical infrastructure areas, particularly with reference to the area of energy supply. The need for 3D printing applications is identified based on expert research in the energy industry. It identifies the application schemes determined by the technical and logistical possibilities associated with 3D printing in its broadest sense. A review of additive technologies with a view to their application in selected phases of critical infrastructure operation, including in crisis situations, is also carried out. Furthermore, a methodology for incorporating 3D printing into the existing critical infrastructure system is proposed. As a result, the following research hypothesis is adopted: the use of 3D printing can be an important part of measures to ensure the full functionality and efficiency of critical infrastructures, particularly in crisis situations.

From Smart City to Smart Factory for Sustainable Future: conceptual framework, scenarios, and multidiscipline perspectivec (SCFF23)

“…Now, due to the fall of prices of building materials and 3D printers, they are used in almost every industry i.e. in automotive, aerospace and medicine [Budzik 2022]. Additive technologies can also be used in foundry, e.g., to produce casting patterns or foundry molds [Tolochko 2019].…”

“…in automotive, aerospace and medicine [Budzik 2022]. Additive technologies can also be used in foundry, e.g., to produce casting patterns or foundry molds [Tolochko 2019]. It should be noted that traditional methods of making foundry patterns are timeconsuming and require highly qualified personnel.…”

Theoretical, Numerical and Experimental Assessment of Temperature Response in Polylactic Acid and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Used in Additive Manufacturing

“…The last decades have highlighted an expansion of polymeric material usage in many areas (automotive or other means of transportation [9][10][11], household items [10,[12][13][14], industrial equipment [15,16], medicine [17][18][19], etc.). Moreover, there is a clear trend toward expanding the fabrication of polymer parts through 3D printing processes.…”

“…There is a special interest in using polymeric materials for thermal insulation of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings to reduce the effects of excessive cold or heat. Such materials' low heat transfer conductive capacity may represent a significant argument for using polymers as thermal insulating materials [8,9,15,16,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. However, the material properties of a part manufactured by 3D printing can be influenced by thermal interactions during the 3D printing process between the process components (filaments, printing support, environment) [20].…”