Track: Industry 4.0

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is poised to redefine the automotive industry by revolutionising design, prototyping, and production processes. This paper conducts an in-depth literature review to explore additive manufacturing technologies and their implications for the automotive sector. Researchers have developed cutting-edge design strategies to address the formidable challenges posed by large-scale materials and AM processes in automotive manufacturing. The primary objective of this study is to shed light on the applications of various AM processes, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Stereolithography (SLA). Furthermore, the study discusses the various benefits and challenges associated with these technologies and highlights their profound impact on automotive design, parts manufacturing, customisation, and supply chain management. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of these AM technologies is critical for automakers looking to seamlessly integrate them into their operations and drive innovation across the industry. This study provides valuable information that can be used by regulatory bodies, companies, and management stakeholders to effectively initiate and monitor the adoption and implementation of additive manufacturing. By doing so, the automotive industry can increase efficiency, productivity, and product quality, contributing to a future characterised by breakthrough advances.