Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Additive Manufacturing Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 11138

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zhonghua Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
Interests: 3D visualization; virtual reality; mixed reality and extended reality; 3D printing; diagnostic radiology; cardiovascular disease; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mauro Vaccarezza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
Interests: clinical anatomy; anatomy education; 3D printing; human anatomy; cardiovascular imaging; cardiovascular pathophysiology; inflammation and inflammaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a technology that has been widely used to create complex 3D structures out of a digital model. 3D printing technology has revolutionized various industries from electronics, defense, and aerospace to biomedical applications. There have been rapid developments and utilizations of 3D printing technologies in medicine, ranging from orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery to cardiovascular and other health care areas. Advancements in 3D printing technologies, coupled with the greater accessibility of 3D printers, declining costs, and the evolution of biomaterials, have significantly enhanced the application of 3D printing within the medical field. This includes areas such as physician support, medical education, and the planning of treatment procedures. This Special Issue will feature a collection of important review papers in the interdisciplinary field of “AM/3D in medical applications”, which encompasses all 3D printing topics, including but not limited to the following:

  • 3D printing in medical education;
  • 3D printing in pre-surgical planning;
  • 3D printing in simulation of surgical procedures;
  • 3D printing guided interventional procedures;
  • 3D printing in communication (with patients or within healthcare professionals);
  • 3D printing developments in technologies or printing materials;
  • 3D and four-dimensional bioprinting;
  • 3D printed medical devices or implants.

Prof. Dr. Zhonghua Sun
Dr. Mauro Vaccarezza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • medicine
  • applications
  • diagnosis
  • surgery
  • education
  • guidance

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

21 pages, 2609 KiB  
Review
A Review of Additive Manufacturing Techniques in Artificial Reef Construction: Materials, Processes, and Ecological Impact
by Kinga Korniejenko, Kacper Oliwa, Szymon Gądek, Piotr Dynowski, Anna Źróbek and Wei-Ting Lin
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084216 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
In recent years, additive manufacturing technologies have been employed for ecological projects, especially those connected with artificial reefs. This approach brings a lot of advantages, including the design of more complex structures, with surfaces fitted to the needs of water organisms. This technology [...] Read more.
In recent years, additive manufacturing technologies have been employed for ecological projects, especially those connected with artificial reefs. This approach brings a lot of advantages, including the design of more complex structures, with surfaces fitted to the needs of water organisms. This technology can effectively support ecological design and engineering, especially in restoration efforts. The main aim of this article is to demonstrate the state of the art and further perspectives for the development of artificial coral reefs. This article is based on a critical analysis of the literature, supported by selected case studies. This article describes current technologies used in the creation of artificial reefs, putting emphasis on additive manufacturing, evaluates currently used materials, and summarizes the influence of this technology on ecosystems through the analysis of selected case studies. It also discusses the challenges and limitations of current technologies used in 3D printing artificial reefs as well as presents current trends and further directions. The most important findings show that the analyzed field is a promising interdisciplinary research area and practical implementations require collaboration between specialists from different branches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

44 pages, 4868 KiB  
Review
Aluminum Laser Additive Manufacturing: A Review on Challenges and Opportunities Through the Lens of Sustainability
by Mohammad Javad Yadegari, Alessandra Martucci, Sara Biamino, Daniele Ugues, Laura Montanaro, Paolo Fino and Mariangela Lombardi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2221; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042221 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1361
Abstract
The manufacturing sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, positioning sustainability as a critical priority. Aluminum, valued for its lightweight and recyclable properties, plays a vital role in advancing energy-efficient solutions across transportation and aerospace industries. The [...] Read more.
The manufacturing sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, positioning sustainability as a critical priority. Aluminum, valued for its lightweight and recyclable properties, plays a vital role in advancing energy-efficient solutions across transportation and aerospace industries. The processing of aluminum alloys through laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), a cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology, enhances sustainability by optimizing material usage and enabling innovative lightweight designs. Based on the published literature, the present study analyzed the ecological impacts of aluminum PBF-LB/M manufacturing through life cycle assessment, circular economy principles, and eco-design strategies, identifying opportunities to reduce environmental footprints. The study also stated the critical challenges, such as the high energy demands of the aluminum PBF-LB/M process and its scalability limitations. Potential sustainable solutions were discussed starting from powder production techniques, as well as optimized processes and post-processing strategies. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this research highlighted the pivotal role of PBFed aluminum alloys in achieving sustainable manufacturing goals. It provided actionable insights to drive innovation and resilience in industrial applications, offering a roadmap for balancing environmental stewardship with the demands of high-performance standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1045 KiB  
Review
Emerging Applications of Machine Learning in 3D Printing
by Izabela Rojek, Dariusz Mikołajewski, Marcin Kempiński, Krzysztof Galas and Adrianna Piszcz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041781 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques already enable the precise deposition of many materials, becoming a promising approach for materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering. Recent advances in 3D printing enable scientists and engineers to create models with precisely controlled and complex microarchitecture, shapes, [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques already enable the precise deposition of many materials, becoming a promising approach for materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering. Recent advances in 3D printing enable scientists and engineers to create models with precisely controlled and complex microarchitecture, shapes, and surface finishes, including multi-material printing. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) at various stages of 3D printing has made it possible to reconstruct objects from images (including, for example, medical images), select and optimize materials and the printing process, and monitor the lifecycle of products. New emerging opportunities are provided by the ability of machine learning (ML) to analyze complex data sets and learn from previous (historical) experience and predictions to dynamically optimize and individuate products and processes. This includes the synergistic capabilities of 3D printing and ML for the development of personalized products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5726 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Digital Workflows for 3D-Printed Maxillofacial Soft Prostheses: Exploring Design and Materials in Direct Additive Manufacturing: A Scoping Review
by Cristian Ioan Tarba, Mircea Alexandru Cristache, Ioana Medeea Baciu, Corina Marilena Cristache, Oana Elena Burlacu Vatamanu and Luminita Oancea
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041701 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1205
Abstract
The treatment of maxillofacial defects presents significant challenges due to the complexity of facial anatomy and the diversity of affected tissues. Traditional workflows are labor-intensive, costly, and limited in customization. Recent advancements in fully digital workflows and direct 3D printing technologies offer new [...] Read more.
The treatment of maxillofacial defects presents significant challenges due to the complexity of facial anatomy and the diversity of affected tissues. Traditional workflows are labor-intensive, costly, and limited in customization. Recent advancements in fully digital workflows and direct 3D printing technologies offer new possibilities for improving the fit, aesthetics, and efficiency of prosthetic manufacturing. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current state of direct 3D printing for maxillofacial soft prostheses, assess material properties and biocompatibility, and identify challenges and future directions in this field. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus databases, along with a manual search of relevant journals, was conducted to identify studies published up to December 2024. Articles focusing on direct 3D printing of maxillofacial soft prostheses were included, while studies involving traditional or mold-based workflows, ocular prostheses, and literature reviews were excluded. Data on materials, manufacturing techniques, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: Out of 898 articles screened, 11 were included, 5 of which were in vivo studies (case reports). The additive manufacturing methods used in these case reports were Drop-on-Demand (DoD) silicone printing and PolyJet technology. Conclusions: Fully digital workflows and direct 3D printing technologies show promise for advancing maxillofacial prosthesis manufacturing. However, the absence of dedicated software, biocompatible materials, and medium- to long-term clinical evaluations highlight significant research gaps. Future research should focus on material development, workflow optimization, and clinical validation to enable widespread clinical adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2467 KiB  
Review
3D-Printed Customized Cages for Foot Arthrodesis
by Iozefina Botezatu, Dan Lăptoiu, Diana Popescu and Rodica Marinescu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020969 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 852
Abstract
In recent years, the application of 3D-printed implant cages or trusses for foot arthrodesis has emerged as a personalized approach to address complex bone defects and deformities. Twenty studies involving different regions of the foot, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, were [...] Read more.
In recent years, the application of 3D-printed implant cages or trusses for foot arthrodesis has emerged as a personalized approach to address complex bone defects and deformities. Twenty studies involving different regions of the foot, such as the ankle and subtalar joints, were reviewed to document the 3D-printed custom solutions. The design of these implants is also discussed, including custom titanium trusses and lattice structures, which can promote osseointegration and fit the bone geometries. From a mechanical perspective, these implants proved to be stable and compatible with natural bone, aiming to reduce stress shielding while offering the mechanical strength needed for optimal outcomes. This systematic survey also addresses the additive manufacturing processes involved, namely EBM, SLM, or DMLS. Clinical cases were focused on patients with large bone loss, failed prior fusions, and deformity corrections, with the follow-up results showing high rates of fusion and functional improvement. Of the analyzed studies, three provide level III evidence, while the rest provide level IV or V, consisting of case series or reports. Since 2015, 148 patients have been reported to receive such implants. This review addresses the question, “how effective are 3D-printed titanium cage implants in foot arthrodesis in addressing large bone defects and deformities?” It is the first review to gather data on the use of such customized implants in foot arthrodesis, providing critical insights to enhance their application, including amputation avoidance. This study highlights the advantages of personalized 3D-printed implants in achieving a better anatomical fit, improving clinical outcomes, and ensuring faster recovery times, while also addressing considerations such as the cost and the need for long-term clinical data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1921 KiB  
Review
3D-Printed Accessories and Auxiliaries in Orthodontic Treatment
by Marcel Paľovčík, Juraj Tomášik, Márton Zsoldos and Andrej Thurzo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010078 - 26 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
The integration of 3D printing has transformed orthodontics, allowing for the creation of highly customized intraoral devices that support traditional orthodontic treatments. This review examines the innovations and applications of 3D-printed accessories in orthodontics, focusing on customization, precision, and workflow improvements. In-office 3D [...] Read more.
The integration of 3D printing has transformed orthodontics, allowing for the creation of highly customized intraoral devices that support traditional orthodontic treatments. This review examines the innovations and applications of 3D-printed accessories in orthodontics, focusing on customization, precision, and workflow improvements. In-office 3D printing enables reduced dependence on external labs, enhancing efficiency and potentially lowering costs. Key topics include material properties, biocompatibility, and clinical applications, alongside an evaluation of both successes and limitations highlighted in recent studies. Unlike prior research focused on aligners and braces, this review centers on auxiliary devices, demonstrating how 3D printing can revolutionize these less-studied accessories in orthodontics. The rise of 4D memory shape materials signals a potential breakthrough in “smart orthodontics”, where directly printed devices can adapt over time. This innovation could lead to a new era of personalized dynamic orthodontic solutions with 3D-printed auxiliaries, providing unprecedented customization and expanding the scope of orthodontic care. Further research is essential to address challenges related to durability, biocompatibility, and long-term clinical performance to optimize 3D printing’s role in orthodontic treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

42 pages, 9674 KiB  
Review
Roles of Modeling and Artificial Intelligence in LPBF Metal Print Defect Detection: Critical Review
by Scott Wahlquist and Amir Ali
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8534; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188534 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2534
Abstract
The integration of LPBF printing technologies in various innovative applications relies on the resilience and reliability of parts and their quality. Reducing or eliminating the factors leading to defects in final parts is crucial to producing satisfactory high-quality parts. Extensive efforts have been [...] Read more.
The integration of LPBF printing technologies in various innovative applications relies on the resilience and reliability of parts and their quality. Reducing or eliminating the factors leading to defects in final parts is crucial to producing satisfactory high-quality parts. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the material properties and printing process parameters of LPBF-printed geometries that trigger defects. Studies of interest include the use of various sensing technologies, numerical modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable a better understanding of the phenomena under investigation. The primary objectives of this article are to introduce the reader to the most widely read published data on (1) the roles of numerical and analytical models in LPBF defect detection; (2) AI algorithms and models applicable to predict LPBF metal defects and causes; and (3) the integration of modeling, AI, and sensing technology, which is commonly used in material characterization and has been proven efficient and applicable to LPBF metal part defect detection over extended periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Additive Manufacturing Technologies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop