Guest Editors
Prof. Dr. Fatih Karpat
Email: karpat@uludag.edu.tr
Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey
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Research Interests: polymer additive manufacturing, sustainable materials and green manufacturing, bio-based and recycled polymers, mechanical and thermal characterization of 3D printed materials
Dr. Onur Can Kalay
Email: okalay@ttu.edu
Affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, 79409, USA
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Research Interests: power transmission systems, polymer gears, additive manufacturing, sustainable product design
Summary
Polymer Additive Manufacturing (PAM) has rapidly evolved as a key enabling technology across various industries, offering unmatched design flexibility, lightweight structures, and material efficiency. In fields ranging from aerospace and automotive to biomedical and consumer products, PAM has facilitated the rapid prototyping and functional production of complex geometries at reduced costs and lead times. With increasing emphasis on environmental impact, circular economy goals, and energy-conscious manufacturing, the additive production of bio-based, recyclable, and high-performance polymers has become a focal point for sustainable innovation. Moreover, the demand for functional parts such as gears, structural supports, and custom mechanical components has led to new challenges in understanding the relationships between material properties, processing parameters, and end-use performance.
This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances and critical insights into the sustainable development, processing, and performance evaluation of polymers used in additive manufacturing. The scope includes the design and synthesis of eco-friendly and high-performance materials, optimization of FDM, SLA, and related processes, as well as the multiscale characterization of printed parts. Of particular interest are studies that connect material composition with mechanical, thermal, and tribological behavior, enabling the development of durable, efficient, and environmentally responsible 3D-printed components. Research contributions from both academic and industrial perspectives are welcome.
Suggested themes:
·Bio-based and recycled polymer materials for additive manufacturing
·Design and optimization of polymer filaments and composite feedstocks
·Mechanical and thermal characterization of printed parts
·Functional applications: gears, brackets, housing, and medical components
·Tribology and wear performance of printed polymer parts
·Process-structure-property-performance relationships
·Lifecycle assessment and sustainability evaluation in AM
·Post-processing techniques for improved dimensional stability and surface finish
·Simulation and modeling of AM processes for material efficiency
·Quality control and in-situ monitoring of polymer AM
Keywords
polymer additive manufacturing, sustainable 3D printing, bio-based and recycled polymers, composite filaments, functional printed components, mechanical and thermal characterization, FDM and SLA process optimization, lifecycle assessment in additive manufacturing
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