Research progress in 3D printing of polyimide material

3D printing is defined as the process of fabricating parts from a three-dimensional data model by joining materials layer by layer, which could more efficiently and economically fabricate complex components than traditional molding technology. Therefore, 3D printing technology has been applied in rail transportation, aerospace, and other fields. However, the evolution of 3D printing from a prototyping tool to a manufacturing technology is impeded by the limited selection and inadequate properties of polymeric materials suitable for 3D printing. Polyimide exhibits intrinsically outstanding mechanical and thermal performance. By combining polyimide materials with 3D printing technique, narrowing the gap between 3D printing and traditional molding technology and releasing potential in industrial applications can be achieved. In this review, recent research progress in the 3D printing of polyimide by fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, digital light processing, direct ink writing, UV-assisted direct ink writing, and selective laser sintering was summarized. The controlling of physical and chemical features of polyimide, synthesis and modification of polyimide material, optimization of the 3D printing process and post-processing, performance and functionality, as well as dimensional stability of printed part were clearly discussed. Finally, the challenges for the future development of 3D printing of polyimide were analyzed.