Review on the evolution and technology of State-of-the-Art metal additive manufacturing processes

• Main Authors: Pratheesh Kumar, S., Elangovan, S., Mohanraj, R., Ramakrishna, J.R.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D Printing; Direct energy deposition; Electron beam melting; Metal additive manufacturing; Rapid prototyping
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.567

Nowadays, the requirements of customers undergo dynamic changes and industries are heading towards the manufacturing of customized end-user products, making market fluctuations extremely unpredictable. This demands the production industries to shift towards instantaneous product development strategies that can deliver products on the shortest lead time without compromise in the quality and accuracy. Direct metal deposition is one such evolving additive manufacturing (AM) technique that has found its application from rapid prototyping to production of real-time industrial components. In addition, the process is ideal for just-in-time manufacturing, producing parts-on-demand while offering the potential to reduce cost, energy consumption, and carbon footprint. The evolution of this advanced manufacturing technique had drastically reduced the manufacturing constraints and greatly improved the product versatility. This review provides insight into the evolution, current status, and challenges of metal additive manufacturing (MAM) techniques, starting from powder bed fusion and direct metal deposition. In addition to this, the review explores the variants of metal additive manufacturing with its process mechanism, merits, demerits, and applications. The efficiency of the processes is finally analysed using a time–cost triangle and the mechanical properties are comprehensively compared. The review will enhance the basic understanding of MAM and thus broaden the scope of research and development.