Abstract:

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printer technologies, as today's promising technique, has been drawn attention to the production of innovative products/parts that can be used in various fields. It can produce materials with desired mechanical and structural properties with 3D technologies. As compared to traditional production methods, the promising technology provides flexibility in product design, and contributes to increase material, energy, and cost efficiency in manufacturing system. Herein, 3B printer technologies are divided into seven different groups according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) classification. AM methods are explained by considering working principles, and the type of material, as well as studies conducted with 3B printers using these methods were examined. This study shows that in 3D printer technologies, polymers, metals and alloys, ceramics and composite materials can be utilized as raw materials and post-printing secondary processes promote to produce parts with excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, the technologies have been expected to open new horizons for easily creating prototypes and production of components using plastics, metals, metal alloys and ceramic materials used in a wide range of industrial sectors, including automotive, defence, aerospace, and rail transport. Nowadays, the number of raw materials for 3D technologies are limited and, recent studies should be directed to investigate new materials.

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