3D Printing Using Natural Fibers – An Emerging Technology in Sustainable Manufacturing: A Review

The advent of 3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, granting access to previously unattainable components that traditional methods couldn’t achieve. However, most of the existing literature primarily focuses on synthetic materials for these purposes. Significant applications of 3D printing span various fields such as aerospace, defense, biomedical, healthcare, food, automotive, architecture, construction, energy, and fashion industries. Despite some research exploring the potential of natural fibers in 3D printing, there is still a significant gap in scientific and technical knowledge concerning the materials required for producing natural-based composite structures using this technology. Extensive research is necessary to comprehend the distinct properties of natural and matrix fibers/filaments, their interactions, and the resulting final properties. Utilizing 3D printing technology with natural fibers emerges as a promising approach for sustainable manufacturing due to the unique characteristics of the materials involved and the potential to align with environmental benefits and sustainable practices. We find ourselves in an era of exciting technological innovations, driving transformative change. Economic paradigms are shifting, and novel technologies are reshaping product and factor markets, significantly impacting businesses and the workforce.