3D printing with particles as feedstock materials

3D printing has been applied in numerous research fields ranging from biomedical, mechanical engineering and chemistry to material science. 3D printing applications have driven innovations in particle technology, especially through tackling particle-related issues arising from the development of particle-based printing feedstocks across such application areas. Therefore, in this review, established 3D printing processes are described to include their prototyping mechanisms, advantages and limitations. Various particulate systems, including dry and wet systems, as printing feedstock materials are introduced. The main motivation for this paper is to outline the current state of particulate feedstock systems and to attempt to outline future directions for enhancing these particle applications. This paper would be valuable for individuals, researchers and companies who need adequate and comparative information regarding the state of particle applications in the AM industry.