Review of Polymer Additive Manufacturing at Multi-Scale 3D Modelling

The plastic polymer industry stands as the world's largest, spanning sectors from packaging to electronics. While additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have rapidly evolved since its commercial introduction in 1987, recent reviews have highlighted its potential, challenges, and future directions. Existing research underscores AM's rising significance, particularly in soft materials and composites. The paper intends to give a walkthrough in the development of multi-scale 3D modelling of photopolymerisation-based AM process. Therefore, mechanical design principles and challenges specific to AM, such as shape distortion and interfacial strength, are explored. Review papers delve into specific aspects of AM, including polymer matrix composites, reinforcement strategies, and process comparisons. Despite advancements, challenges remain in achieving high-performance functional materials, optimizing fabrication parameters, and improving predictive modeling techniques. Furthermore, there's a notable gap in addressing multiscale modeling approaches, crucial for understanding the relationship between microstructure and macroscopic properties. Bridging this gap is essential for unlocking AM's full potential in polymer manufacturing, propelling innovation, and driving towards a more sustainable and efficient future across various industries.