Top 10 directions in lithography 3D printing

Abstract

Lithography 3D printing technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), two-photon polymerization (TPP), digital light processing (DLP), and other approaches based on vat photopolymerization effect, have been continuously dominating the 3D printing market creating tremendous impact on global economy and society over the past 30 years. The vibrant question is where lithography 3D printing research is heading now? In this study, we conduct a bibliometric analysis and literature review to identify the top 10 research directions that will drive the development of lithography 3D printing in the following decade. We analyzed metadata of nearly ten thousands articles to reveal the evolution of the hottest keywords, most appreciated articles, and other factors in field of lithography 3D printing over the past 30 years. Based on the mined data and literature review, we envision and discus 10 directions that are either emerging or shall emerge promptly, namely tissue engineering (1), DLP of ceramics (2) and metals (3), volumetric printing (4), microneedles printing (5) 4D printing and smart materials (6), metamaterials (7), hot lithography (8), diamond printing (9), and multimaterial printing (10). Recent advances and challenges of each direction were outlined delivering focal points for further research.