Current state and emerging trends in advanced manufacturing: process technologies

Advanced manufacturing is challenging engineering perceptions of how to innovate and compete. The need for manufacturers to rapidly respond to changing requirements and demands; obtain, store, and interpret large volumes of data and information; and positively impact society and our environment requires engineers to investigate and develop new ways of making products for flexible and competitive production. In addition to the associated operational, technological, and strategic advantages for industry, advanced manufacturing creates educational, workforce, and market opportunities. Thus, this literature review is aimed at investigating the current state and emerging trends in advanced manufacturing. Specifically, this study addresses advances in manufacturing process technologies, focusing on shaping processes (mass reducing, mass conserving, and joining) as well as non-shaping processes (heat treatment and surface finishing), and metal-based additive manufacturing. This literature review finds myriad efforts have been undertaken by researchers in industry, academia, and government labs from around the world, which have supported the development and implementation of new process technologies to improve manufacturing systems extending from unit process and shop floor operations to facility and supply chain management activities. However, as evidenced by recent and emerging global challenges in energy, critical materials, and health care, the manufacturing industry must continue the innovative development of advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and systems that ensure cost-efficient, rapidly flexible, high-quality, and responsible production of goods and services.