Additive Manufacturing Applied to Underwater Components: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) has garnered significant attention due to its potential and advantages, particularly in the context of underwater environments. This study aims to identify articles describing the 3D printing of components applied in underwater environments. A systematic literature review was conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus databases regarding the proposed topic. After searching and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 most relevant articles were selected. Most of the articles focused on printing housings and propellers for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), using Material Extrusion (MEX) technology and polymers as the printing material. The study provides insights into the potential of AM for the underwater industry, such as new design, and efficient production methods.