Multi-material additive manufacturing: a computational design perspective
File(s)
Author(s)
Yu, Xiaochen
Griffis, Jacklyn
Manogharan, Guha
Panesar, Ajit
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) unlocks unprecedented opportunities in engineering, afforded by material and geometric complexity. However, leveraging its full potential necessitates advanced computational design tools tailored to specific application needs and fabrication techniques capable of translating digital designs into physical products with minimal discrepancy. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of computational algorithms available for multi-material design, encompassing numerical methods like topology optimisation as well as data-driven inverse design strategies. MMAM techniques are evaluated for their multi-material design capability and manufacturing constraints. Key challenges in MMAM design are identified, including multi-material interface, advanced material response modelling, manufacturability, failure constraints, robustness, multifunctionality, and integrated design-manufacturing-validation workflow. Recommendations are made for incorporating these considerations into the optimisation framework. Future research directions are also suggested to pave the way for innovative multi-material applications.
Date Issued
2025-12-01
Date Acceptance
2025-08-07
Citation
Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 2025, 20 (1)
ISSN
1745-2759
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Journal / Book Title
Virtual and Physical Prototyping
Volume
20
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been pub lished allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
e2546671
Date Publish Online
2025-08-26