Technical Challenges and Future Environmentally Sustainable Applications for Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing for Metals

Abstract

Through additive manufacturing (AM), it is now possible to produce functionally gradient materials (FGM) by depositing different metal alloys at a specific location to locally improve mechanical properties and enhance product performance. Despite recent developments, however, there are still some important trade-offs to consider and inherent challenges that must be addressed. These include limitations to the volume, size, and range of materials used and a data-driven strategy to drive decision-making and automation. Additionally, many potential advantages exist in environmentally sustainable terms of multi-material additive manufacturing (MM-AM). In particular, for products that require a complex design, high value, and low production volume, material and energy use can be reduced significantly. However, there are significant uncertainties in terms of environmental impact and applications of MM-AM that need to be addressed during the initial stage of the technology development to understand its potential future environmental performance improvements.

New Trends in 4D Printing: A Critical Review

“…As a result, the issue created by AM of multi-materials should be considered during material selection, part geometry, and manufacturing parameters. The composition and optimal geometrical arrangement of materials, as well as methods of reaction kinetics, bonding, stress formation, and cracking mechanics, are critical aspects for multi-material design [40].…”