A mini-review of embedded 3D printing: supporting media and strategies

Abstract

Embedded 3D printing is an additive manufacturing method based on a material extrusion strategy. Its distinctive feature is that the printing process is carried out in a supporting medium, and the printed ink filaments can be embedded in the supporting medium. It makes the printing process almost undisturbed by gravity, and no additional support needs to be planned before the object is printed. In recent years, embedded 3D printing has been used in sensors, software robots, tissue engineering, dosage forms, and organ models, showing strong potential. This article summarizes embedded 3D printing's latest progress on supporting media and strategies in a short space.