Large-format fused deposition additive manufacturing: a review

Abstract

Purpose The build volumes of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are increasing in size. This improvement is associated with the growing reliability of AM processes and is driven by a rise in demand from several industries. Large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), when referring to polymeric extrusion systems, is quite new in the field of AM. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of large-format (those with build volumes over 1 m3) fused deposition or extrusion-based AM equipment. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents an exhaustive literature review for all the publications in the field of AM in the current decade, as well as technological coverage in the news, specialized blogs and technology fairs since the year 2015. Findings This review reveals growing scientific and industrial activity, as well as in equipment, in the field of LFAM. An increase in research activity is also occurring in parallel with a growing interest, potential and adaptation of these technologies in certain industries. Originality/value This review may be the first publication to collect the majority of existing information on LFAM for polymeric extrusion systems in terms of applied extrusion technologies, commercial products, specific material research and developments, intellectual property, design and simulation solutions, as well as its practical applications.