https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.022
Published: Kem. Ind. 75 (5-6) (2026) 283–293
Paper reference number: KUI-22/2025
Paper type: Review
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Additive Manufacturing in Chemical Engineering. Part Two: Processes for Metals and Other Materials.

D. Vrsaljko, M. Marković, I. K. Cingesar and F. Car

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is increasingly being used in chemical engineering to fabricate complex components, optimise industrial processes, and develop new materials. While polymer technologies dominated the early stages of industrial application of additive manufacturing, the growing need for materials with high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability has driven development toward metals, ceramics, and composites. This paper provides an overview of key additive manufacturing processes that enable the use of metal and other materials. It also analyses potential applications in chemical engineering, such as the fabrication of reactors, heat exchangers, catalytic supports, and porous membranes. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges associated with post-processing and the optimisation of manufacturing parameters to achieve the chemical and mechanical properties necessary for laboratory and industrial applications. The development of additive manufacturing with metal and other materials in this area enables faster, more environmentally friendly, and more functionally advanced manufacturing of industrial and laboratory components, opening up new possibilities for engineering and scientific applications.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

additive manufacturing, chemical engineering, metals, ceramics, composites