Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, has emerged as a transformative technology with profound implications for multiple industries. The convergence of AM with Industry 4.0 principles and advanced technologies has given rise to Industry 5.0, a new era of manufacturing characterized by enhanced integration and digitalization. This chapter explores the dynamic landscape of AM within the context of Industry 5.0, highlighting research trends, innovations, and challenges. Key developments include materials advancements, multi-material printing, digital twins, bioprinting, AI-driven design, and sustainability initiatives. Industry 5.0's impact is felt globally, with applications spanning aerospace, healthcare, fashion, and beyond. Collaboration between academia and industry, regulatory frameworks, and the pursuit of sustainable practices are driving forces shaping the future of AM in Industry 5.0.
TopIntroduction
Industry 5.0 is the latest phase of industrial production, combining human expertise and advanced technologies. It builds on the foundations of Industry 4.0, which introduced automation, connectivity, and data-driven decision-making. However, Industry 5.0 emphasizes the importance of human expertise, creativity, and collaboration in smart factories and production environments (Jeyaraman et al., 2022). Industry 5.0's transformative potential lies in the integration of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, which have transformed the way we design, create, and distribute products across various industries from prototyping tools to full-fledged production processes (George & George, 2023).
This chapter explores the relationship between Industry 5.0 and additive manufacturing/3D printing innovations, examining their historical development, fundamental principles, and integration with the broader framework. It also examines recent advancements, applications across sectors, and real-world case studies showcasing their tangible benefits (Zhang et al., 2019). The text provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, highlighting regulatory considerations, sustainability concerns, and emerging trends, aiming to shape Industry 5.0 and guide a more agile, sustainable, and customized industrial production future (Maddikunta et al., 2022). Industry 5.0, a new paradigm emerging from the convergence of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing, is focusing on the integration of advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics to transform manufacturing processes. This era is driving significant advancements and discoveries in additive manufacturing research and innovation (Tiwari et al., 2022):
Researchers are exploring new materials for Advanced Manufacturing (AM), including alloys, ceramics, composites, and sustainable biopolymers, which offer enhanced properties like strength, thermal resistance, and environmental sustainability. Multi-material and multi-process printing innovations are expanding AM possibilities, enabling the creation of complex components with varying properties (Al-Emran & Al-Sharafi, 2022). Digital twin technology is being integrated into additive manufacturing (AM) processes for real-time monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance. Bioprinting is being used for transplantation, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are being used for design optimization, part consolidation, and generative design, enhancing product performance and reducing material usage (Raphey et al., 2019).
The integration of robotics and automation in additive manufacturing (AM) is enhancing efficiency, reducing labor costs, and improving repeatability. Sustainable practices aim to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and develop eco-friendly materials. Recycling solutions for 3D printing materials are also being explored (Al-Emran & Al-Sharafi, 2022; M. Sharma et al., 2022). Additive Manufacturing (AM) allows for cost-effective, customized product production, with industry-academia collaborations and international research initiatives promoting innovation. Efforts are underway to establish regulatory frameworks and industry standards for 3D-printed products, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and aerospace, ensuring safety and quality(Boopathi, Khare, et al., 2023a; Boopathi & Kumar, 2024; Palaniappan et al., 2023a; Senthil et al., 2023a).
Global Impact: Additive manufacturing is significantly influencing global development and resilience through applications in space exploration, disaster relief, and localized manufacturing hubs.
In Industry 5.0, additive manufacturing is a key technological innovation, offering solutions to complex challenges across industries. Researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers are working together to maximize AM's potential, drive progress in materials science, design optimization, and sustainable manufacturing practices (Daminabo et al., 2020). The integration of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in Industry 5.0 is a groundbreaking advancement that combines advanced technologies and human expertise, transforming the way we conceptualize, design, and produce physical objects (Daminabo et al., 2020; Vafadar et al., 2021):