additive manufacturing for the production of environmentally-friendly steels: a comparative analysis with casting technology

Casting technology is one of the oldest manufacturing methods globally, but in recent years, metal additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3d printing, has advanced significantly. both technologies can create parts with internal holes, and at first glance, their surface roughness appears similar. this similarity indicates that machining is necessary for parts requiring precise dimensions in areas where an exact fit is essential. additive manufacturing has revolutionized the production of metal components, offering significant advantages in terms of design flexibility, material efficiency, and the ability to produce complex geometries. this review explores the advancements, microstructural characteristics, properties, and challenges associated with additive manufacturing of steels. it provides a comprehensive understanding of current technologies, defect formation, and control strategies, highlighting the potential and limitations of additive manufacturing in the steel industry. additionally, the production time and costs of both technologies were evaluated to determine if additive manufacturing is competitive with casting technology.