Bio-inspired advancements in additive manufacturing

Abstract

Nature encompasses a huge source of innovation to inspire designers. Natural, biological structures display a wide range of complex geometries such as bone, teeth, suture, skeleton, etc. with defined mechanical functions. The performance of these structures can be evaluated with real-life load conditions

these are mechanisms featuring engineering principles for different structural applications. Many biomimetic principles, ideas, and concepts have been applied to real-life applications because of their sustainability, efficiency, and elegant design. The objective of this chapter is to demonstrate the utilitarian view of nature-inspired advancements. Bio-inspired design (BID) innovations in various applications in the past, present, and future are depicted in this chapter. In addition, BID and its applications, as exhibited with various materials and additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, are presented in this chapter. The chapter also covers the history of bio-inspired structures, key challenges, AM process capabilities, material properties, and future directions of bio-inspired advancements and applications. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.