Roshan Kumar Dubey1*, Shiva Yadav2, Sabir Zafar2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Bharat, India
2B. Pharm Final Year Students, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Bharat, India
* Address for Correspondence:
Roshan Kumar Dubey,
Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Pharmacy,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Email ID – pharmaroshan95@gmail.com
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, has emerged as a transformative approach for the fabrication of complex and customized structures across various scientific and industrial domains. Unlike conventional subtractive manufacturing methods, 3D printing constructs objects layer by layer directly from digital models, enabling enhanced design flexibility, reduced material wastage, and rapid prototyping. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles underlying 3D printing technology, including computer-aided design (CAD), slicing, and layer-wise fabrication processes. Major 3D printing techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), digital light processing (DLP), and inkjet-based printing are critically discussed with respect to their working mechanisms, materials used, advantages, and limitations. Furthermore, the review highlights current applications of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biomedical engineering, and industrial manufacturing. Emerging trends, including bioprinting, personalized medicine, smart materials, and integration with artificial intelligence, are also explored. Finally, the article addresses existing challenges such as material constraints, regulatory issues, and scalability, while outlining future prospects that position 3D printing as a key enabling technology for next-generation manufacturing and healthcare solutions.
Keywords Three-dimensional printing; Additive manufacturing; Rapid prototyping; 3D printing techniques; Fused deposition modeling (FDM); Stereolithography (SLA); Selective laser sintering (SLS); Bioprinting; Personalized medicine; Future prospects
