Comprehensive review of additive manufacturing lifecycle optimization in a cloud environment: from distributed manufacturing to postprocessing

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive review and categorization of production optimization throughout the additive manufacturing lifecycle in a cloud environment. It aims to provide a structured approach to identifying and addressing issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews 75 technical papers on cloud manufacturing, nesting, scheduling and postprocessing in additive manufacturing. This includes a detailed discussion of the key issues.

Findings

This paper introduces a production framework for the entire lifecycle of additive manufacturing in a cloud environment. This framework aids in problem identification and decision-making based on the process flow. It provides an integrated view from cloud to postprocessing, examining decision interdependencies and enhancing problem identification and organization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the complete lifecycle of additive manufacturing, emphasizing the often-overlooked aspects of postprocessing and cloud manufacturing. It offers a comprehensive study of lifecycle optimization challenges and suggests ways to streamline the production process.

Citation

Xiao, X., Fu, G., Song, P., Peng, Q., He, N., Mo, T. and Zhang, Z. (2024), "Comprehensive review of additive manufacturing lifecycle optimization in a cloud environment: from distributed manufacturing to postprocessing", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-04-2024-0182