3D Printing of Nanoparticles
R. Shireesh Kiran1*, B. Mythili2, T. Rama Rao3
1,2Department of Pharmaceutics, CMR college of pharmacy, Afflicated to JNTUH, Medchal, Kandlakoya, Hyderabad, 501401, Telangana, India.
3Professor and Principal, CMR college of pharmacy, Medchal, Kandlakoya, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120700111
Received: 14 July 2025; Accepted: 19 July 2025; Published: 06 August 2025
The rapid tooling and mass production are made possible by 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, because of its design flexibility and notable speedup of the design to manufacturing process. The avenues in material science have been opened by the use of nanoparticles into 3D printing methods, which enables the performance of high-performance functional materials with enhanced mechanical, electrical, thermal and biological properties. The 3D printing of nanoparticles is an innovative way to overcome the certain limitations through addictive manufacturing, and makes it possible to fabricate intricate structures with integrated nanoparticles layer by layer. The current approaches for adding nanoparticles into 3D printing platforms, such as inkjet, stereolithography, fused deposition modelling (FDM) and extrusion-based printing methods. In addition to the effects on the performance and structural integrity of printed products, the difficulties of nanoparticle dispersion, printability and post-processing are highlighted. The applications that showcases for nanoparticles enhancing for 3D printing are electronics, energy storage, biomedical engineering and environmental sensing. There are so many advancements in 3D printing nanoparticles from micro–nanoscale. A new era of material innovation has been ushered by the combination of additive manufacturing and nanotechnology, with 3D printing nanoparticles emerging as a game changing method for creating useful materials for the future. With additionally, this article examines the potential future paths, such as AI-driven material design, sustainable manufacturing, and 4D printing, while highlighting the difficulties with nanoparticle-based 3D printing.
Keywords: – 3D printing, additive manufacturing, inkjet, stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, extrusion-based printing, nanoparticle dispersion, printability, post processing.
Additive manufacturing or 3-Dimentional (3-D) printing has become popular lately. Most people are not aware that this technology has been invented way long before the 2nd millennium. 3-D printing has begun in the late 1980s whereby the first technique was known as the Rapid Prototyping (RP), or commonly recognized as Stereolithography (SLA) in the current term. The patent of this printing technique owned by an American developer named Charles Hull [1]. SLA printer was the first device to print an object directly from a computer (digital) file. 3-D printing only used in industries but not in the public when it started in 80s. This is due to 3-D printing offered a rapid prototyping of industrial products resulted in quick and accurate processes. The design by 3-D printing is high in accuracy, it also accomplishes design freedom where there are no barriers to the imagination. Due to this advantage, artists can now produce a physical sculpture which would otherwise be sketched on a paper. With many advantages, there are more industries are shifting from conventional manufacturing to 3-D printing technique to produce their goods. The cost of production can be reduced because a few parts can be printed into one single object compared to conventional manufacturing which only enables printing of several parts separately in addition with no tooling required [2, 3]. Therefore, this favours the manufacturing industries since saving cost could mean gaining more profit. In addition, 3-D can also print parts with complex geometries which is impossible to be produced by the traditional method [4]. This will bring advantages to the manufacturers as it is possible to produce a wide range of industrial goods such as hard tooling product like moulds. Traditionally, moulds are computer numerical control (CNC) milled either undergoing multiple design alterations, or taking weeks and months to achieve the final design. Now, 3-D printing technologies can be used instead, allowing material and waste reduction, while improving the functionality of a mould. The main improvements which can be seen in tooling products are lightweight, improved design, improved ergonomics and reduction in material waste [5]. Due to the popularity of additive manufacturing, 3-D printers are currently used as home use by people who are interested in creating their own prototypes. The technology is commonly used in automotive, architecture, healthcare, entertainment and goods industry. For example, the printing of spare parts is now possible with improved mechanical properties when using nanomaterial or composites. This can result in a stronger build-in which increases the safety aspect of the mobile in car racing and even space mission. Furthermore, 3-D printing technology can be applied in the medicine field. One of the successful examples is the printing of hearing aids which has a unique structure between different individuals [6, 7]. In addition, people are getting 3-D printed teeth which is customized to each person. Unlike the previous one-size-fits-all teeth which is uncomfortable, the 3-D printed teeth will fit nicely suited to the patients. This technology was also greatly explored in bioprinting of tissues and organs, the printing of animal tissues for drug testing and teaching purpose, skin grafting [8–11]. In combating the COVID-19 pandemic, 3-D printing shown its important role in coping up to produce medical equipment such as face shield, face mask, ventilator parts, nasopharyngeal swab, antibacterial mask and wearable device for patient [12–15, 170]. In addition, 3-D printed food can also be customized to patients suffering from dysphagia phenomenon to make food more visually appealing [16, 17]. There is still a wide application of 3-D printing yet to be explored. 3-D printing is a promising technology to print customized and high-quality products. It is believed to bring positive impacts to various sectors in the future when more fields are utilising this technology. However, the major drawback of producing 3-D printed goods is the fragility of the printed parts, as most production only focus on building prototypes rather than functional parts, since the printed objects always result in a lack of strength. Therefore, one of the promising solutions is to incorporate nanoparticles or fillers into the polymer to strengthen the printed object. Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely tiny particles which have the size ranges from 1 to 100 nm [18]. Owing to their small size, nanoparticles have a large surface area to volume ratio which enable them to be explored in various sector. Aside from the application stated in the previous paragraph, researchers are aiming to produce a more functional object by the incorporation of nanoparticles. Most of the published review papers only discuss on the 3-D printing techniques and printing of pure materials. When 3-D printing technology was greatly explored in many sectors, a more functional prototypes are demanded and many researchers have been putting effort to develop composites with improved functionality and performance [19–22]. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the improvement and advancement in 3-D printing product which enhanced with nanoparticles. The types of 3-D printer are reviewed as the type of printers considered as a factor that influence the choice of raw materials to be printed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each printing technique. The base materials that are commonly used in 3-D printing are analysed in Sect. 3 depending on the application accordingly. Last but not the least, the development of nanocomposites in various applications are followed by the discussion on the drawbacks that occurred and the suggestions for future steps of additive manufacturing. The technology is commonly used in automotive, architecture, healthcare, entertainment and goods industry. For example, the printing of spare parts is now possible with improved mechanical properties when using nanomaterial or composites. This can result in a stronger build-in which increases the safety aspect of the mobile in car racing and even space mission. Furthermore, 3-D printing technology can be applied in the medicine field. One of the successful examples is the printing of hearing aids which has a unique structure between different individuals [6, 7]. In addition, people are getting 3-D printed teeth which is customized to each person. Unlike the previous one-size-fits-all teeth which is uncomfortable, the 3-D printed teeth will fit nicely suited to the patients. This technology was also greatly explored in bioprinting of tissues and organs, the printing of animal tissues for drug testing and teaching purpose, skin grafting [8–11]. In combating the COVID-19 pandemic, 3-D printing shown its important role in coping up to produce medical equipment such as face shield, face mask, ventilator parts, nasopharyngeal swab, antibacterial mask and wearable device for patient [12–15, 170]. In addition, 3-D printed food can also be customized to patients suffering from dysphagia phenomenon to make food more visually appealing [16, 17]. There is still a wide application of 3-D printing yet to be explored. 3-D printing is a promising technology to print customized and high-quality products. It is believed to bring positive impacts to various sectors in the future when more fields are utilising this technology.
History of 3D printing of Nanoparticles :-
Origin of 3D printing |
Initially, the researchers tried adding nanoparticles to printed materials, like metal oxides, silica, and carbon nanotubes, to improve their mechanical and thermal characteristics. The foundation of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing (AM), dates back to the 1980s.
In the year 1984 :- Chuck Hull invented stereolithography (SLA), the first 3D printing technique, and co-founded 3D Systems. 1990s–2000s: Development of other major techniques such as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) by Scott Crump (Stratasys) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) by Carl Deckard. |
In 2000s – The emergence of nanoparticles in 3D printing | The incorporation of nanoparticles into 3D printable materials began in the early 2000s, driven by a desire to enhance the functional properties of printed objects. While no single person is credited with “inventing” 3D printing of nanoparticles, it emerged as a convergence of two rapidly growing fields: nanotechnology and additive manufacturing.
2002–2005: Early research began exploring nanocomposite filaments and resins for use in FDM and SLA printing. 2006–2010: Academic labs started publishing on carbon nanotube-infused thermoplastics and metal oxide nanoparticles for structural reinforcement and conductivity. Nanoparticles began to be widely used in drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and printed electronics, with research moving from experimental to application-focused. The creation of inks and nanocomposites based on nanoparticles that are suited for certain uses, such as biomedical devices, electronics, and sensors, has advanced significantly. Drug-loaded scaffolds, conductive traces, and smart materials were made possible by advances in functional printing during this time. |
In present (Evolution of the field) |
In the year 2020 to present year :- Development of hybrid printing platforms, in-situ synthesis, and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials in additive manufacturing. Innovations in materials science, hybrid printing platforms, and in-situ nanoparticle synthesis have fueled the fast advancement of the 3D printing of nanoparticles. High-performance, adaptable components for industries like energy storage, flexible electronics, and tailored medicine are made possible in large part by it. |
Base Materials Used In 3d Printing With Nanoparticles :-
In 3D printing, the bases also referred to as binders, carriers, or matrix materials—are essential for supporting, stabilizing, and dispersing nanoparticles both during and after the printing event. The type of nanoparticle, intended use, and printing method all influence the base material selection. The most common bases used in 3D printing are;
Polymer Bases
(especially FDM, inkjet, and SLA) |
||||
Polymer | Extruded temperature | Bed temperature | Function | Used with |
Polylactic acid
(PLA) |
170-2200 C | 20-550 C | Biodegradable matrix | Silver, graphene |
Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene (ABS) | 215–250 °C | 80–110 °C | Tough and thermally stable | CNTs, Corbon black |
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) | 160–170 °C | 40 °C | Linear polymer made by polymerizing vinyl acetate monomers | water-soluble support structure in FDM printing |
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | 230-2550 C | 55-750 C | Matrix / Blender | Acts as a base polymer matrix to host and uniformly distribute nanoparticles |
Nylon | 210-2500 C | 60-800C | Polymer matrix / carrier | Acts as a host matrix to embed and disperse nanoparticles |
Solvent and ink based materials
(especially used in inkjet or spray based 3D printing) |
Base type | Nanoparticles | Purpose | ||
Water | Tio2, graphene oxide | Eco-friendly dispersion. | ||
Ethanol | Silver, CNTs | Volatile carrier and fast drying | ||
Glycerol | Ceramics and metals | Viscosity control | ||
Metal and alloy powders (micron + nanoparticles)
(Especially used as a base for SLS and SLM) |
||||
Base metal | Nanoparticles mixed in | Applications | ||
Titanium alloys | HA, Ag, CNTs | Orthopedic implants | ||
Stainless steel | Al2O3, Sic, graphene | Structural wear, resistant parts | ||
Nickel alloys | Ceramic NPs, graphene | High temperature components | ||
Copper | Graphene, CNTs | Electronics and heat sink | ||
Ceramic and glassy bases
(used in sintering-based printing) |
||||
Base ceramic | Nanoparticles added | Applications | ||
Hydroxyapatite (HA) | Ag, ZnO, TiO2 | Bone implants, antibacterial parts | ||
Zirconia (ZrO2 ) | Graphene, CNTs | Dental, load bearing parts | ||
Silica (SiO2) | Metal or dye NPs | Optical, catalytic structures | ||
The 3d Printing Techniques For Nanoparticles:-
Stereolithography (Sla) :- The resin-based 3D printing process known as stereolithography (SLA) cures photosensitive polymers layer by layer into a solid object using ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers. Although SLA is widely used for microscale printing, its application to the creation or integration of nanoparticles is a new field of study and development. Silver, gold, silica, carbon nanotubes, TiO₂, and graphene are among the nanoparticles that are mixed into photocurable resins. Printing materials are subsequently made from these nanocomposite resins. The precision is high in stereolithography. The models, prototypes, and patterns are used as a printed objects for this technique in 3D printing.
Advantages of stereolithography with nanoparticles :-
Applications :-
Fused Deposition Modelling (Fdm) :- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a popular 3D printing method that creates 3D objects by heating and extruding thermoplastic filament layer by layer. Creating nanocomposite filaments—filaments impregnated with nanoparticles to improve functionality or material properties—is the standard procedure when using nanoparticles in FDM. The mechanism of FDM is When the melted thermoplastic is put in the designated areas, the part is constructed layer by layer. The fresh layer will adhere to the previous layer once each layer has solidified. Using this method, an object is printed from bottom to top. The models and moderate prototyping are used to prepare as a printed objects for the modelling. The precision is lower than compared to stereolithography.
Advantages of FDM with nanoparticles :-
Applications :-
Selective Laser Sintering (Sls) :- A high-power laser, usually CO₂, is used in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a powder-based 3D printing method, to fuse powder particles layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects. Although SLS is mainly applied to powders that are polymeric, metallic, or ceramic, adding nanoparticles to the process creates fascinating opportunities for precision engineering and enhanced material functioning. Selective laser sintering works by joining small particles together with heat from a high-power laser beam. Granular materials are employed, with nylon (PA) polymer serving as the primary component in SLS printers. Prosthetics, dental retainers, hearing aids, automotive and aerospace components are used to prepare for the printed objects. The precision is high.
Advantages of SLS with nanoparticles :-
Applications :-
Selective Laser Melting (Slm) :- In the sophisticated powder bed fusion (PBF) method known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), metal powders are melted layer by layer by a high-energy laser (usually a fiber laser) to create fully dense 3D objects. In contrast to SLS, which sinters, SLM melts the material completely, creating stronger metallic pieces that are frequently of wrought grade. The mechanism Powder bed fusion is the umbrella term for the process. Metals are utilized as the feedstock type. The precision is high.
Advantages of SLM with Nanoparticles :-
Applications :-
Inkjet Printing:- The Tiny droplets of ink containing nanoparticles are ejected from a printhead and deposited layer by layer to create a three-dimensional structure using the inkjet printing technology for 3D printing with nanoparticles. A printhead is filled with a liquid ink that contains scattered nanoparticles. The ink droplets are ejected via: thermal actuation (tiny heaters create vapor bubbles to force out droplets) Piezoelectric actuation (crystals deform under voltage to expel droplets). The Droplets are deposited precisely onto a substrate, layer-by-layer. Post-processing (e.g. drying, sintering, or curing) solidifies the nanoparticles into functional structures. The droplet volume of inkjet is 1-100 picolitres.
Advantages of inkjet with nanoparticles:-
Applications :-
Applications Of Nanoparticles Based 3d Printing :-
The applications of 3D printing of nanoparticles in the fields of electronics, energy storage, medical, and aerospace have been listed from the recent advancements, such as;
Electronics :-
Energy Storage :-
Medical :-
Aerospace :-
Notable Patents In 3d Printing Of Nanoparticles :-
Some of the most notable patents in 3D printing of nanoparticles are ;
Sno | Author name | Patent no | Summary |
1. | Yiliyang wu | US9505058B2 | This invention focuses on stabilized metallic nanoparticles, like silver, for use in 3D printing. The nanoparticles are designed to be sintered using low-energy light sources, enabling the creation of conductive components without high-temperature processes. |
2. | William Niedermayer | WO2023076095A1 | This patent introduces a 3D printing composition that incorporates light-scattering metal nanoparticles. These nanoparticles enhance the curing process during printing by scattering UV light, leading to faster and more uniform curing of printed layers. |
3. | James elmor abbott | US20170252974A1 | This method involves using a build material composed of inorganic particles, such as metals or ceramics, combined with polymers. The approach allows for the creation of composite materials with tailored properties for various applications. |
4. | Hemant bheda | US20160297142A1 | This patent describes a method for additive manufacturing that involves depositing layers of inks containing thermopolymers and nano-fillers (such as carbon nanotubes), followed by exposure to microwave radiation to cure the layers. The process allows for the creation of composite materials with enhanced properties. |
The Future Paths In 3d Printing Of Nanoaprticles :-
The use of nanoparticles into 3D printing methods has opened up new avenues for material science research and development, allowing for the creation of highly customizable and functional structures with improved thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. Advanced applications in the medical, aerospace, and electronics sectors have resulted from the successful incorporation of nanoparticles into techniques including inkjet printing, stereolithography, and fused deposition modelling. At the nanoscale, maintaining print resolution, avoiding aggregation, and attaining uniform dispersion continue to be difficult tasks despite the encouraging developments. The full potential of nanoparticle-enhanced 3D printing will require future research on material compositions, printing accuracy, and scalable production techniques. This will pave the way for the development of next-generation smart materials and devices.