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International Journal of Manufacturing and Production Engineering Review Article

From Prototype to Production: A Review of Industrial Applications for 3D Printing in Aerospace, Automotive, Biomedical, and Electronics

  1. Tunji John ERINLE Department of Mechatronics Engineering, School of Industrial Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
  2. Daniel Chukunebikpe UGURU-OKORIE Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
  3. Abiodun Michael ADEBIMPE Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
  4. Adeolu Adesoji ADEDIRAN Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
  5. Tolulope Tunji OLADIMEJI Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, School of Industrial Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
  6. Lukeman Sunday LAWAL Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Highstone Global University
  7. Ayodeji Babatunde FALANA Department of Mechatronics Engineering, School of Industrial Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) or Additive Manufacturing has made remarkable progress from rapid prototyping to large-scale production. Several industries like aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and electronics utilise AM technology for product personalisation, minimising waste material, reducing the cycle time of product design, and designing complex shapes that are difficult to manufacture using traditional techniques like subtractive manufacturing. This paper evaluates the evolution of 3D printing technology from prototyping to industrial production. In addition, the paper reviews different AM technologies, industrial applications, advancements in materials, optimisation approaches, economics of AM, sustainability issues, research prospects, and potential challenges associated with scaling up AM processes from prototyping to industrial applications. A literature review for the study has been done using articles found in databases. The review also examines recent developments in additive manufacturing processes, including improvements in printing accuracy, material innovation, process automation, and the integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 concepts. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of additive manufacturing in enhancing production flexibility, reducing manufacturing lead time, and supporting sustainable manufacturing practices

through efficient material utilisation and reduced environmental impact. It also discusses the opportunities and limitations associated with the adoption of AM in industrial environments, with particular emphasis on quality assurance, standardisation, certification, and cost-effectiveness. From the findings of the literature review, one can deduce that although 3D printing has gained considerable acceptance within the industry, more work is required in other fields such as materials science, automation, and artificial intelligence to ensure mass production. Future advancements in process optimisation, smart manufacturing systems, and advanced material development are expected to further strengthen the industrial adoption of additive manufacturing and enable its wider application in next- generation manufacturing systems.

Keywords

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