Propulsion system development requires new, more affordable manufacturing techniques and technologies in a constrained budget environment, while future in-space applications will require in-space manufacturing and assembly of parts and systems. Marshall is advancing cuttingedge commercial capabilities in additive and digital manufacturing and applying them to aerospace challenges. The Center is developing the standards by which new manufacturing processes and parts will be tested and qualified. Rapidly evolving digital tools, such as additive manufacturing, are the leading edge of a revolution in the design and manufacture of space systems that enables rapid prototyping and reduces production times. Marshall has unique expertise in leveraging new digital tools, 3D printing, and other advanced manufacturing technologies and applying them to propulsion systems design and other aerospace materials to meet NASA mission and industry needs. Marshall is helping establish the standards and qualifications “from art to part” for the use of these advanced techniques and the parts produced using them in aerospace or elsewhere in the U.S. industrial base.

Additive manufacturing

Vascularized 3D printed scaffolds for promoting bone regeneration.

On the environmental impacts of 3D printing technology

The use of additive manufacturing (AM) has moved well beyond prototyping and has been established as a highly versatile manufacturing method with demonstrated potential to completely transform traditional manufacturing in the future. In this paper, a comprehensive review and critical analyses of the recent advances and achievements in the field of different AM processes for polymers, their composites and nanocomposites, elastomers and multi materials, shape memory polymers and thermo-responsive materials are presented. Moreover, their applications in different fields such as bio-medical, electronics, textiles, and aerospace industries are also discussed. We conclude the article with an account of further research needs and future perspectives of AM process with polymeric materials.

Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Materials: Progress, Promise and Challenges

Fire safety has become a major concern due to the ubiquitous use of polymers. The development of flame retardant polymer materials has consequently experienced a huge growth in market size. New strategies and legislation have also been proposed to save lives and property. The science and economics of flame retardancy, fire regulations, and new technologies are under permanent evolution. This review paper focuses on revisiting and classifying recent developments in the knowledge and technology of flame retardant polymer materials and demonstrating the qualitative and quantitative analyses carried out on their flame retardant properties. In particular, it comprehensively addresses the progress made and the future prospects for designing precise structures via innovative technologies, particularly 3D printing - as the state-of-the-art manufacturing methodology providing innovative features in this realm of research - and their flame retardancy performances. Indeed, the strategies driving the technologies of innovative flame retardant polymer materials and 3D printing technology are approaching a practical juncture in the near future.

N. Shahrubudin

Papers

An overview on 3D printing technology: Technological, materials, and applications

Challenges of 3D printing technology for manufacturing biomedical products: A case study of Malaysian manufacturing firms.