A comprehensive review of ultrasonic additive manufacturing

Purpose This paper aims to comprehensively review ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) process history, technology advancements, application areas and research areas. UAM, a hybrid 3D metal printing technology, uses ultrasonic energy to produce metallurgical bonds between layers of metal foils near room temperature. No melting occurs in the process – it is a solid-state 3D metal printing technology. Design/methodology/approach The paper is formatted chronologically to help readers better distinguish advancements and changes in the UAM process through the years. Contributions and advancements are summarized by academic or research institution following this chronological format. Findings This paper summarizes key physics of the process, characterization methods, mechanical properties, past and active research areas, process limitations and application areas. Originality/value This paper reviews the UAM process for the first time.