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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 3871

Special Issue Editors


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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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

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 443
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)
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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
Viewed by 1066
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)
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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 1 | Viewed by 1899
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)
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