A review of the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 27 September 2021
Issue publication date: 26 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a survey concerning the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). Based on the scientific literature, the aim is to provide an updated map of trends and gaps in this relevant research field. Several technologies and investigation methods are examined, thus giving an overview and analysis of the growing body of research.
Design/methodology/approach
Permutations of keywords, which concern materials, technologies and the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by AM, are used for a systematic search in peer-review databases. The selected articles are screened and ranked to identify those that are more relevant. A bibliometric analysis is performed based on investigated materials and applied technologies of published papers. Finally, each paper is categorised and discussed by considering the implemented research methods.
Findings
The interest in the accuracy of additively manufactured thermoplastics is increasing. The principal sources of inaccuracies are those shrinkages occurring during part solidification. The analysis of the research methods shows a predominance of empirical approaches. Due to the experimental context, those achievements have consequently limited applicability. Analytical and numerical models, which generally require huge computational costs when applied to complex products, are also numerous and are investigated in detail. Several articles deal with artificial intelligence tools and are gaining more and more attention.
Originality/value
The cross-technology survey on the accuracy issue highlights the common critical aspects of thermoplastics transformed by AM. An updated map of the recent research literature is achieved. The analysis shows the advantages and limitations of different research methods in this field, providing an overview of research trends and gaps.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the MIUR (Italian Ministry of University and Research) and Region Emilia Romagna for funding support through the project “SUPER Craft – Smart Utility Platform for Emilia Romagna Craft”.
Citation
Ciotti, M., Campana, G. and Mele, M. (2022), "A review of the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 358-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-11-2020-0295
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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