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Review

Review and Research Prospects on Additive Manufacturing Technology for Agricultural Manufacturing

by
Yongzong Lu
1,*,†,
Weixuan Xu
2,†,
Junyi Leng
3,
Xiaoyue Liu
1,
Heyang Xu
2,
Hengnan Ding
1,
Jianfei Zhou
1 and
Longfei Cui
4
1
School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
2
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
3
New Fluid Transport Industrial Pipeline Engineering Technology Research Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi Xinfeng Pipe Industry Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214100, China
4
Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Mechanization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing 210000, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081207 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 11 June 2024 / Revised: 6 July 2024 / Accepted: 22 July 2024 / Published: 23 July 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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Abstract

:
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a manufacturing technology that constructs objects by sequentially adding material layer by layer. AM encompasses a range of different techniques capable of working with very different materials from metals and alloys to polymers and composites. As an advanced fabrication technology, AM is characterized by strong design flexibility, the ability to create intricate structures, and cost-effectiveness when compared to conventional fabrication methods. AM technology is widely employed in various sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing, and its application is increasingly expanding into agricultural manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the current status of AM technology applied in the five main agricultural manufacturing aspects such as the application of AM technology in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment parts, its use in agricultural sensors, its role in the utilization of agricultural waste, its application in the field of plant growth mechanisms and in phytoremediation tissues. The current existing problems of AM technology and future development trends are also included to provide the implications for researchers. The adoption of AM technology in agriculture offers significant advantages, including enhanced production efficiency, cost reduction, innovation facilitation, and environmental protection. From initial prototyping to custom production today, AM technology provides more flexible, efficient and sustainable solutions for agricultural manufacturing. Especially in the fields of agricultural machinery, planting facilities and agricultural biomaterials, the application of AM technology has shown great potential and advantages. With the continuous advancement in technology and the reduction of costs, AM technology will become more popular and play a more vital role in agricultural manufacturing. In the future, we can foresee that AM will realize the manufacturing of agricultural products with higher precision, a more complex structure and more functions, providing more intelligent and personalized solutions for agricultural production. As such, it is emerging as a critical driving force in the advancement of precision agriculture.

1. Introduction

The exploration of additive manufacturing (AM) technology in agricultural manufacturing enables the customization of equipment and tools based on the specific needs of farms and crop characteristics. This includes the production of irrigation systems, machinery parts, and other essential agricultural tools, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity [1]. Tan et al. [2] examined laser AM, which has many advantages over traditional manufacture. They found that parts produced using this technology exhibit a short preparation cycle and enable the preparation of complex structures with lightweight properties. These advantages not only facilitate the repair of damaged parts but also address common issues in the application of agricultural mechanization in China. Furthermore, AM technology can be employed to produce various agricultural sensors [3] and monitoring devices. These instruments can monitor soil moisture, temperature, light, and other environmental parameters, contributing to precision agriculture management. Beyond equipment and environmental monitoring applications, AM technology can simulate plant growth environments, aiding in the study of growth patterns and the impacts of climate change on plants.
AM is a manufacturing technology that builds objects by stacking materials layer by layer. Compared with traditional cutting methods, AM technology is more flexible, saves materials, and enables the manufacture of complex structures. AM technologies include 3D printing [4], laser sintering [5], electron beam melting and many other methods. As a new fabrication technology, AM technology has the characteristics of strong designability, complex structure and low cost, compared with traditional fabrication methods. AM technology has been widely used in aerospace, medical, industrial manufacturing and other fields, and has gradually been applied in agricultural manufacturing.
ASTM classifies AM technologies into seven categories: binder jetting, material extrusion, directed-energy deposition, material jetting, powder bed fusion, sheet lamination, and vat photopolymerization [6] (Table 1).
The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the current status and future development trends of AM technology applied in agricultural manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the current status of AM technology applied in the five main agricultural manufacturing aspects such as the application of AM technology in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment parts, its use in agricultural sensors, its role in the utilization of agricultural waste, its application in the field of plant growth mechanisms and in phytoremediation tissues (Figure 1). The current existing problems of AM technology and future development trends are also included, to provide the implications for researchers. In the near future, AM technology will be emerging as a critical driving force in the advancement of precision agriculture.

2. Application Status and Analysis of AM Technology in Agricultural Equipment Parts

With the growth of the global population, people’s demand for food is growing day by day. Agricultural machinery has been popularized on a large scale because of its high production efficiency, high farming quality, suitability for standardized management, and other advantages. However, the main problem at present is whether agricultural equipment can work normally in special environments, the wear and tear of stone or soil on parts, and whether it can complete the work on special crops.

2.1. Manufacturing of Agricultural Machinery Parts for Special Operating Environment

The demand for agricultural machinery and equipment parts capable of operating under special environmental conditions presents significant opportunities for advancement. Environmental conditions critically impact the performance and durability of mechanical components used in agricultural manufacturing.
High and low temperatures, in particular, significantly affect the refinement and mechanical properties of materials used in agricultural equipment. AM, as an emerging research methodology, holds promise for enhancing the material properties of agricultural machinery and equipment parts. However, there is a notable gap in the study of the low-temperature mechanical properties and deformation behavior of materials used in AM, where the focus recently was on potential high-temperature applications. One of the typical examples is medium/high entropy alloys and their composites produced through the AM method. Further research in this area is essential to fully exploit the potential benefits of AM technology for agricultural applications. Zhang et al. studied the mechanical properties, deformation behavior and strengthening mechanism of AM in CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) and 2 wt% TiC/CoCrFeMnNi composite (HEC) at room temperature (293.0 K) and low temperature (93.0 K) [9]. This has made new progress in the research of AM materials for agricultural devices.
In order to meet the corrosion resistance of parts, chemical coating and surface treatment technology has been popularized. Chemical-coating and surface-treatment techniques enhance corrosion resistance by changing the properties of a material’s surface. Chemical coating enhances the performance of the material by covering the surface of the material with a corrosion-resistant coating. Surface-treatment technology introduces physical or chemical changes on the surface of the material, such as sandblasting, electroplating, heat treatment and chemical modification [10] The basic principle of anti-corrosion coating is to form a protective film or coating on the surface of the material to isolate the material from the outside world and achieve the purpose of anti-corrosion [11,12,13]. Common anti-corrosion coatings and their application characteristics are shown in Table 2 [14].
Anti-corrosion coatings are crucial for protecting agricultural equipment from rust and degradation, but when applied to parts in direct contact with soil they face several limitations and potential degradation mechanisms [15,16]. These include abrasion and mechanical wear from constant friction with soil and debris, chemical interactions with the soil’s salts, acids, and organic matter, prolonged exposure to moisture and humidity promoting rust, microbial activity producing corrosive by-products, and temperature fluctuations causing thermal expansion and contraction [17]. Potential degradation mechanisms involve mechanical damage such as scratching and gouging, erosion, chemical degradation through hydrolysis and oxidation-reduction reactions, environmental stress cracking from thermal and moisture-induced stress, biological degradation from microbial corrosion and biofilm formation, and electrochemical corrosion like galvanic and pitting corrosion. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to develop more resilient coatings, apply thicker or multiple layers, use self-healing coatings, regularly inspect and maintain equipment, and implement soil-specific coating solutions. Understanding these limitations and degradation mechanisms will enable researchers and engineers to devise better strategies for protecting agricultural equipment and extending its service life.

2.2. AM’s Application in Soil-Touching Parts of Agricultural Manufacturing

The main wear mode of earth-touching parts is abrasive wear [14]. Abrasive wear can be divided into three-body high-stress grinding wear and two-body low-stress scratch wear [18]. Because the hardness of sand and stone cannot be easily changed, we can reduce abrasive wear by increasing the surface hardness of parts to improve the relative hardness. Ma et al. [19] CoCrNi xWC (x = 0, 5, 15, 25 wt%) composite coatings were prepared by laser cladding. They found that adding WC to the CoCrNi matrix can increase the average hardness of the coating from 191.8 HV to 503.4 HV and greatly enhance the wear resistance. With good hardness and wear resistance, CoCrNi-xWC can provide farmers with ergonomic useful and customized agricultural equipment, according to the needs of shape, size and design.
Liu et al. used AM technology to manufacture a flexible grasping claw module and installed it on a robotic arm [10]. By automatically picking and placing various fruits through machine vision and advanced grasp mechanism control, it is possible to avoid damage to the objects, especially sensitive ones such as fruits and vegetables, and the problem of damaging the crop surface is greatly reduced. The robot prepared by this method can also be extended to grasp irregular and fragile objects. Figure 2 is the brief description of the development and preparation process of the 3D printing fixture [20].
The performance of the soft fixture is greatly affected by the material characteristics. Factors such as maximum elastic deformation, stiffness, and viscoelasticity will determine the travel of the fixture, the applied force and the response speed. Therefore, when designing soft fixtures with enhanced functions, material selection and engineering design are crucial. Three-dimensional printing can be used to manufacture materials that change stiffness with temperature changes, such as shape memory alloy (SMA), shape memory polymer (SMP), and low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) [10]. These materials can be used not only as actuators, but also as controllable rigidity-based clamping elements to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency by utilizing their soft state to adapt to the shape of the object, as well as utilizing their varying rigid states. Choosing the right fixture material is also based on environmental protection and biocompatibility, emphasizing the importance of food safety in agricultural production, so the materials used should be non-toxic to the human body and crops. Figure 3 is a brief timeline of gripper-technology development milestones.

3. Application Status and Prospect of AM Technology in Agricultural Sensors

AM technology is widely used in the manufacture of agricultural sensors. The summary of the application of AM technology in agricultural sensor manufacturing is shown in Table 3.

3.1. Humidity Sensor

Capacitive humidity sensors are widely used in agricultural applications due to their low energy consumption, fast response, lack of radiation, and low hysteresis. They can obtain real-time and accurate monitoring of air humidity, soil moisture, and humidity in breeding grounds. In the three-dimensional printing (3DP) process of AM, the adhesive in the form of droplets is sprayed onto the surface of the powder bed through the print head. The solid layer is formed by the solidification of the adhesive, and then a new layer of powder is provided. The construction process is repeated until the part is constructed [28]. Integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronic testing devices, these sensors exhibit a sensitivity of 0.16% to 0.18% capacitance change per percentage of relative humidity, making them the most sensitive humidity sensors currently available [29]. AM technology enhances the production of these sensors by eliminating the need for auxiliary products such as molds, shells, and cores. This results in a shorter manufacturing process, reduced cycle time, and faster design iteration. AM allows for the production of sensors with complex components. When combined with automatic irrigation systems, capacitive humidity sensors enable intelligent irrigation management. These systems can adjust irrigation schemes based on real-time humidity data, thereby improving irrigation efficiency and reducing energy consumption costs. Capacitive humidity sensors are extensively utilized in plant factories, intelligent greenhouse control, home gardening, and other fields [18,21,23,24,30,31,32]. Yasin et al. [21] proposed using the Internet of Things (IoT) as a communication technology in conjunction with AM to manage water conservation effectively. This approach aims to save water resources by facilitating precise irrigation based on accurate environmental monitoring data, which reflect plant growth conditions and characteristics. Consequently, irrigation systems can be adjusted to achieve precision irrigation, enhancing crop yield and quality, and improving the efficiency of modern agricultural production. AM technology provides favorable conditions for the iterative upgrading and production expansion of sensors, contributing to advancements in agricultural development. Figure 4 presents the automatic monitoring principle of the humidity sensor using AM technology.

3.2. Temperature Sensor

In addition to the application of AM in humidity sensors, temperature sensors in agricultural production are also widely used to monitor temperature changes accurately and assist in precise fertilization. Deng et al. [33] used the 3DP method to prepare and verify the insulation performance of the gas chamber. The sensor exhibits a highly stable and linear response to ambient temperature changes. These sensors are characterized by high sensitivity, fast transient response, low hysteresis, linear output curve and high precision. Palazzi et al. proposed a radio frequency identification technology (RFID)-based autonomous leaf-compatible temperature sensing system for precision agriculture, which has the advantage of integrated temperature sensors [23,32], which can accurately reflect the changes in room temperature and weather. It is convenient for producers to control the growth environment temperature in real time.

3.3. Biosensor

In addition to the traditional sensors, there is a new type of sensor, named a biosensor, which has a good prospect for development. Biosensor technology refers to a detection method that converts biochemical reactions into quantitative physical or chemical signals. It can monitor agricultural product quality and soil pollution, etc. Dekker et al. used biosensors to detect cell metabolites and manufacture biological cells [25] and found that in plant growth, additive biosensors could be used to repair and heal plant damaged tissues, as well as simulate the plant growth process. Jing et al. proposed that the work flow of SynCom biosensor construction by AM technology has the potential to revolutionize biosensing technology by improving sensitivity, specificity, cost effectiveness and real-time monitoring capabilities, so as to better monitor plant parameters and distinguish subtle chiral differences during plant growth [34,35,36]. Zhao et al. [35] realized rapid transverse-flow detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in mung beans and kidney beans based on upconversion fluorescence technology. The results showed that the detection sensitivity of this method can reach 0.03 ng/mL, and the linear range was 0.03~1000 ng/mL. The above studies have proved that the biosensor has excellent characteristics of high sensitivity, small error and high specificity [37]. Lu et al. [38] combined selective laser sintering (SLS) technology with different processing methods such as bio-sensitive components and pressureless sintering to effectively improve the geometric dimension accuracy of the final sample.

3.4. Sensor System

The application of AM technology has been extended to the field of smart agriculture, especially for monitoring and management of water resources. Agricultural production management and intelligent decision support are controlled by it. Maddikunta et al. reviewed the AM sensing technology in the agricultural field. WSN technology is specially designed for irrigation automation and environmental monitoring [34], in which the wireless sensor WSM designed by AM is often used to monitor the content of impurities in rivers. This practice integrates a variety of advanced technologies, including wireless sensor networks (WSNs) [35], remote sensing [36], artificial intelligence [39], mobile devices, and drones, which are applied to automated systems and various activities, such as monitoring crop health, collecting real-time field image data, and identifying crop diseases. The application of these advanced technologies provides more precise, efficient and sustainable solutions for agricultural production [40].
According to the forming process, AM-SF can be divided into AM bending, AM drawing, AM flanging, AM spinning, and AM progressive forming processes to complete the manufacturing and processing of complex components [41]. At present, the sensor produced by AM technology has good mechanical properties at high temperature, featuring high stable and linear response, high sensitivity, fast transient response, low hysteresis, linear output curve, and high precision, etc. By integrating a variety of sensors and a traceability system based on the HACCP principle [42], it can realize real-time monitoring and recording of the whole process of plants from harvest to export sales to ensure product quality and safety. It can not only improve the accuracy and efficiency of quality control, but also strengthen transparency and enhance market competitiveness. Arevalo, H.A. et al. are committed to the traceability and certification of agricultural products through the RFID technology based on AM sensors [43]. The above research showed that the application of AM can help stimulate active decision making in the agricultural food supply chain, thus ensuring efficient logistics and providing high-quality, cos- effective agricultural products [44].

4. AM Technology Improves the Use Value of Agricultural Waste

4.1. Precise Identification and Classification of Agricultural Waste

AM technology has great potential in the use of agricultural waste. By combining 3D scanning technology and machine vision technology, it is possible to achieve accurate identification of agricultural waste and help save resources and improve waste utilization.
Three-dimensional scanning technology can help transform agricultural waste into digitized models that can be used to design and manufacture parts or products required for 3D printing. By scanning the waste, detailed geometry and size information can be obtained, which provide an important reference for the subsequent design and manufacturing work. Machine vision technology can help automate the identification and classification of different types of agricultural waste. Using machine learning algorithms and image recognition technology, computer systems can be trained to recognize the type, material, and state of waste, enabling automated sorting and disposal processes. This intelligent processing method can not only improve work efficiency, but also reduce human error and improve the accuracy of processing (Figure 5).
A large number of parameters are formed in the database by using 3D laser scanning, multi-view stereoscopic (MVS) reconstruction, and 3D digitization and other 3D data acquisition methods. A three-dimensional laser scanning system is used to identify crops visually, and three-dimensional point-cloud data are collected and transmitted to the computer. The computer processes the acquired initial point-cloud data for de-noising, simplifying and fusion processing. With the help of professional data processing software, it obtains the three-dimensional data model of agricultural waste, automatically calculates and analyzes the precise volume of agricultural waste and other data, and generates the relevant reports.
Through AM technology with 3D scanning and machine vision technology, the efficient use of agricultural waste can be achieved. Using waste to make new products or components not only reduces the waste of resources, but also creates new business opportunities and reduces the burden on the environment. In the future, as these technologies continue to develop and improve, the reuse of agricultural waste will become more common and sustainable.

4.2. Reuse of Agricultural Waste

Crop straw possesses significant utilization potential, with a calorific value approximately equivalent to 50% that of standard coal. Measurements indicate that the calorific value of crop straw is about 15,000 KJ/kg. Besides being predominantly composed of carbon, crop straw also contains a variety of valuable components, including mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, silicon, phosphorus, and nitrogen, as well as organic components like cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, protein, ash, and fat [46,47]. The integration of crop straw into new materials for 3D printing offers multiple benefits. It can enhance agricultural income for farmers, contribute to environmental protection, and provide cost-effective raw materials for 3D printing. By processing and recycling crop straw, it is possible to significantly reduce the costs associated with 3D printing materials.
Giani et al. [48] added value to agricultural waste as fillers in PLa-based bio composites, to improve the sustainability of melt-deposition modeling AM and added value to agricultural waste as a filler in PLa-based bio composites to improve the sustainability of AM fused-deposition modeling. The resulting filaments were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing potential for further application in AM. The use of no-cost natural materials can greatly reduce the overall material cost. Applying this new composite material to AM technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of 3D printed products. Silva et al. [49] studied the use of melt-deposition modeling technology to produce biodegradable agricultural product prototypes for 3D printing, including PLA/PBAT and NPK fertilizer filaments adsorbed on organic bentonite. It was found that the addition of organ bentonite could delay the release of fertilizer, and the release data was analyzed by the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. This composite material system has the potential for further development of FDM in agricultural structures.
Both studies investigate the use of agricultural waste as fillers for bio composites to enhance the sustainability of AM, specifically in melt-deposition modeling. The researchers employed thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry to characterize the resulting materials, demonstrating their potential in AM. By utilizing cost-free natural materials, overall material expenses can be lowered. Additionally, applying these new composite materials to AM technology can reduce the environmental impact of 3D printed products.
Another study focused on using melt-deposition modeling to produce biodegradable agricultural product prototypes, including polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PLA/PBAT) and nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) fertilizer filaments adsorbed onto organ bentonite. The addition of organ bentonite was found to delay the release of fertilizer, with the data analyzed using a kinetic model. This composite material system shows promise for further development in agricultural applications.
Collectively, these studies highlight the potential of using agricultural waste and biodegradable materials to enhance the sustainability and environmental friendliness of AM technology. These methods are anticipated to reduce environmental impact, lower material costs, and drive technological innovation in the agricultural sector.

4.3. Precise Tracking of Agricultural Waste Utilization

AM technology uses the Internet of Things (IoTs) technology and cloud computing technology to accurately track the utilization effect of agricultural waste, so as to find problems in time and adjust to ensure that the reuse effect of agricultural waste meets the expectations. Singh et al. [50] proposed a platform to develop cloud manufacturing, IoT-assisted manufacturing, and 3D printing technologies that combine information technology with innovative manufacturing processes and materials science. This combination of technologies can help monitor the collection, treatment and reuse of waste, thereby improving resource efficiency and environmental protection.

5. The Application of AM Technology in the Field of Plant Growth Mechanism

AM technology has been applied in plant science, offering novel tools and methods to study the mechanisms of plant growth. With AM technology, researchers can print models of plant organs with specific structures and morphologies, such as roots, leaves, and flowers, to gain a better understanding of plant growth and development processes. The application of AM technology allows for the printing of highly complex plant organ structures, enabling researchers to model subtle changes and interactions during plant growth. Experiments and observations using these models facilitate a deeper investigation into the physiological and ecological mechanisms of plant growth, providing a scientific basis for the regulation and improvement of plant growth. Moreover, AM technology can be used to create customized plant-growth environments, such as cultivation tanks and growth boxes. By designing and printing growth environments with specific shapes and functions, better conditions and support for plant growth can be provided. This promotes the growth and development of plants and allows for fine control and regulation of the plant growth environment, offering a new approach to studying plant responses to environmental factors.
Legland et al. used 3D scanning technology to study the potential of phase-contrast tomography in the early anatomical study of wheat kernel development [51]. The 3D images of grains at different stages were obtained, and the growth process was visualized, which intuitively showed the growth mechanism of wheat grains, and contributed to improving agricultural production efficiency. Duncan et al. used 3D plant characteristics to conduct multiscale and multimodal analysis [52], which helped to simulate plant cells, tissues and organs, and provided a research basis for plant growth and development. Dyachenko et al. analyzed the main algorithms for automatic recognition of woody vegetation based on 3D laser scanning technology [53]. They were compared with the traditional methods of ground scanning and manual processing of results, and the accuracy and feasibility of their use was analyzed.
AM technology has broad development prospects in the application and analysis of the plant growth mechanism, which can provide new ideas and methods for plant science research and promote innovation and progress in the field of plant growth and development [54].

6. Application of AM Technology in Analyzing the Phytoremediation Tissues

6.1. Printing-Ink Selection and Optimization

For plant tissue growth, Lee et al. successfully synthesized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 3D bioprinting by processing cellulose recovered from plum seeds [55]. Bio-inks composed of plum seed-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (PCMC) and sodium alginate were prepared and their applications in extrude-based bioprinting were studied. PCMC bio-inks exhibit excellent shear-thinning properties and can be easily extruded and maintain good shape fidelity. However, it is necessary to accurately control the concentration of biological ink to ensure that the generated tissue is non-toxic and harmless, as, if not properly controlled, it will obtain a toxic tissue structure, which has a greater impact on the environment and the preparation. In the future, there will be greater development in the ink control of 3D bioprinting, and there is still room for improvement in safety and reliability.
Dushina et al. developed inks rich in high-content lupine callus (CT), suitable for 3D printing [56], adding CT to printing inks to enhance foods with plant-cell materials and enabling 3D printing of foods with special shapes. It ensures the safety of food and the bionic form. Based on carrot callus samples at Sea Mi Park, researchers isolated plant cell lines and added an alginate matrix to prepare a new ink formula [57]. They investigated the relationship between printability, proliferation efficiency and texture properties of base food inks (CBFs) prepared at different initial cell densities [58].
As shown in the Table 4, these studies demonstrate the potential and application prospects of utilizing 3D bioprinting technology in the field of plant tissue growth, highlighting its wide range of applications in plant self-healing and tissue repair. In agricultural production, studying the self-healing of crop tissue and the repair of tissue damage is crucial. By synthesizing specific bio-inks and incorporating plant-cell materials, researchers have achieved the preparation and customization of biological tissues through 3D printing. These studies not only help explore new methods for food preparation but also provide innovative research ideas and tools for the biomedical and botanical fields. However, precise control over the composition and concentration of bio-inks is essential to ensure that the resulting tissues are non-toxic and harmless, which has significant implications for both environmental and human health. There is still room for improvement in controlling 3D bioprinting inks, and further research and optimization are needed to achieve higher levels of safety and reliability. The emergence of 3D printing has advanced the study of crop growth and repair to a new stage. By analyzing printing inks, functional biofilms, and the interactions between cells and matrices, we can continue to improve the technology and materials, realizing even more possibilities.

6.2. Intercellular Interaction and Structural Optimization

AM technology is widely used in the application of human organs and biological tissues, but the research in plant growth is not deep enough. At present, the main research is to manufacture plant cells through 3D printing to accelerate and optimize tissue and organ assembly. Three-dimensional printing has demonstrated the great possibilities it offers for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where complex structures of living cells and biocompatible materials are molded into functional tissues and organs. In the current study of plant tissues, there is still much room for development in the interaction between cells and hydrogels, the interaction between cells in line with the 3D structure, and the thorough structural analysis of cell behavior in these scaffolds.

7. Current Existing Problems of AM Technology

7.1. Safety Issues of AM Technology

Agriculture and human food safety are closely related, in the use of AM materials used in agricultural production, and we first consider safety issues. The safety problem of AM technology is mainly related to the harm that some printing materials do to the environment and the human body [59,60,61,62]. Taking the most commonly used photocuring materials as an example, the volatile organic compounds they contain will cause certain damage to the environment and human body [34,63,64].
The sustainability benefits of 3D printing technology can also play an important role in agricultural production. By redesigning products, minimizing material waste, extending product life, and improving cost efficiency, 3D printing opens up new possibilities for agricultural production [65,66,67,68]. Using the design freedom of 3D printing, agricultural producers can create more complex structures and optimized components, thereby improving production efficiency and product quality [69]. Compared to traditional manufacturing technologies, 3D printing has a lower impact on the environment because it reduces energy consumption and material waste. In addition, the use of 3D printing technology can shorten the design-to-production cycle, enabling a more cost-effective production process. At the same time, 3D printing provides a risk-free working environment that helps safeguard the health of agricultural producers. By using 3D printing technology in agricultural production, it can improve the efficiency of material and energy utilization, reduce energy consumption, reduce the negative impact on the environment, and promote the development of agricultural production in a more sustainable direction [70,71,72,73,74,75,76].

7.2. Cost Issues of AM Technology

Currently available AM technologies are economically convenient, suitable for small- and medium-volume production of metal parts, and can compete with traditional processes. In the field of agricultural production, the machine cost per part accounts for the main proportion of the total cost. Although machine and material costs for AM technology remain high [60,76,77,78], these costs are expected to decrease as the technology becomes more widely used in agricultural production. With the expansion on an agricultural production scale, AM technology is expected to further improve cost efficiency and bring more economic advantages to agricultural production.

7.3. Size Issues of AM Technology

AM is currently mainly used in the manufacture of small parts in agricultural machinery and equipment. While AM technology performs well for small parts, there are some challenges when it comes to large parts and integrated machines. Because the molding size of AM products is usually small, the production parts are limited [76,79,80,81], and it is difficult to meet the needs of large-scale industrial equipment in the agricultural field. This limitation may result in the inability to fully utilize the potential of AM technology in agricultural production, limiting its application in the manufacture of agricultural machinery and equipment. However, as the technology continues to evolve and innovate, it is expected that these challenges will be overcome, enabling AM technology to be better adapted to the agricultural sector [82,83]. By improving materials and processes and expanding the range of product molding sizes, AM technology is expected to bring more innovation and benefits to agricultural production [84], and promote the development of agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturing in a more efficient and flexible direction.

8. Current Existing Problems of AM Technology

While looking to the future, we also recognize that AM still faces some challenges and issues in agricultural manufacturing. For example, how to further improve the efficiency and reduce costs of AM, how to optimize material selection and process parameters to improve product quality and performance, and how to strengthen the standardization of AM technology in agricultural manufacturing.
Based on the above conclusions, we propose the following research priorities with respect to implications for researchers:
(1)
An in-depth study of material selection and process optimization of AM technology in agricultural manufacturing to improve product quality and performance.
(2)
Explore the intelligent and automated application of AM technology in agricultural manufacturing to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
(3)
Strengthen the standardization of the research into AM in agricultural manufacturing, and promote the popularization and application of technology.
(4)
Research on the sustainable development of AM in agricultural manufacturing, such as resource utilization, environmental impact, etc., to promote green manufacturing.
(5)
Expand the application fields of AM technology in agricultural manufacturing, such as agricultural biological materials, agricultural equipment, etc., to provide more innovative solutions for agricultural production.

9. Conclusions

This paper introduces the fact that the application of AM technology in the field of agricultural manufacturing has made remarkable progress. From initial prototyping to custom production today, AM technology provides more flexible, efficient and sustainable solutions for agricultural manufacturing. Especially in the fields of agricultural machinery, planting facilities and agricultural biomaterials, the application of AM technology has shown great potential and advantages. With the continuous advancement of technology and the reduction in costs, AM technology will become more popular and play a more vital role in agricultural manufacturing. In the future, we can foresee that AM will realize the manufacturing of agricultural products with higher precision, more complex structure and more functions, providing more intelligent and personalized solutions for agricultural production.

Author Contributions

Y.L. and W.X. conceived and designed the topic and paper structure. Y.L. and W.X. wrote the manuscript. L.C., J.L., X.L., H.X., H.D. and J.Z. gave some significant comments to improve the quality and language of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the project of Jiangsu Province and Education Ministry Co-Sponsored Synergistic Innovation Center of Modern Agricultural Equipment (XTCX2013), the Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD-2023-87).

Acknowledgments

We sincerely appreciate the School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, for providing all the required instruments without which this work would not have been possible. We would like to express our gratitude to all the reviewers for their patience and help.

Conflicts of Interest

Author Junyi Leng was employed by the company New Fluid Transport Industrial Pipeline Engineering Technology Research Center of Jiangsu Province, Wuxi Xinfeng Pipe Industry Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Agriculture 14 01207 g001
Figure 1. Structure diagram of this research.
Figure 1. Structure diagram of this research.
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Figure 2. The development and preparation process of 3D printing fixture [20]. (a) FDM 3D printing method; (b): SLA 3D printing method; (c): DLP 3D printing method; (d): polyjet 3D printing method.
Figure 2. The development and preparation process of 3D printing fixture [20]. (a) FDM 3D printing method; (b): SLA 3D printing method; (c): DLP 3D printing method; (d): polyjet 3D printing method.
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Figure 3. Timeline of gripper-technology development milestones [11].
Figure 3. Timeline of gripper-technology development milestones [11].
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Figure 4. Automatic monitoring principle of the humidity sensor of AM.
Figure 4. Automatic monitoring principle of the humidity sensor of AM.
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Figure 5. Schematic diagram of waste identification based on computer intelligent identification technology [45].
Figure 5. Schematic diagram of waste identification based on computer intelligent identification technology [45].
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Table 1. Classification of the AM technology.
Table 1. Classification of the AM technology.
Technical TypeProcessing Method
Binder jettingCambium is formed on the coated powder with a spray chemical binder [7].
Material ExtrusionThis method takes the polymer as the main material, heats it to a semi-liquid state, and deposits it in ultra-fine beads along the extrusion path [8].
Directed-energy depositionSimilar to material extrusion, but the nozzle is not fixed to a specific axis and can be moved in multiple directions.
Material jettingThe printhead releases droplets of light-sensitive material that solidify under ultraviolet light, completing the print.
Powder bed fusionMaterial powders are melted or fused together with electron beams or lasers.
Sheet laminationThe sheets are bonded together by pressure or heat.
Vat photopolymerizationCuring photoreactive polymers with laser, light, or ultraviolet (UV) light [7].
Table 2. Classification and characteristics of anti-corrosion coatings.
Table 2. Classification and characteristics of anti-corrosion coatings.
Type of Anti-Corrosion CoatingApplication Characteristics
Epoxy coatingExcellent adhesion, hardness and corrosion resistance
Polyurethane coatingGood wear resistance, weather resistance and chemical corrosion resistance
Zinc coatingCathodic protection effect, delay corrosion
Aluminum coatingSelf-healing ability to form an oxide layer to prevent corrosion
CoatingProvide metal protection
Thermal spray coatingGood high-temperature and corrosion resistance
coatingChemical and corrosion resistance
Table 3. Summary of the application of AM technology in agricultural sensor manufacturing.
Table 3. Summary of the application of AM technology in agricultural sensor manufacturing.
Type of SensorAgricultural ApplicationClassic QuotationAdvantages
Humidity sensorPlant factoryYasin et al. [21] utilize AM technology to integrate a humidity sensor for regulating water preservation in environmental monitoring of plant growth.Additive manufacturing humidity sensor does not require mold, shell, core, and other auxiliary products, has a short manufacturing process, short cycle, fast design iteration speed, and can manufacture complex sensor parts.
Intelligent greenhouse controlLi et al. [22] combine Modbus with 3D-printed temperature and humidity sensors to solve the problem of field data acquisition in smart agriculture.
Temperature sensorPrecision agriculturePalazzi, V. et al. [23] introduce an RFID-based autonomous leaf-temperature sensing system for precision agriculture, utilizing metal additive technology with superior high-temperature performance and highly sensitive integrated sensors.Additive technology has good mechanical properties at high temperature, and has the characteristics of high stable and linear response, high sensitivity, fast transient response, low hysteresis, linear output curve, and high precision.
Soil temperature monitoringGrosu et al. [24] cover soil temperature monitoring at different temperatures with a high-sensitivity temperature sensor.
BiosensorSimulate plant growth mechanismNaresh, V. et al. [25] use additive manufacturing biosensors to detect cell metabolites, repair and heal damaged plant tissue, and simulate plant growth processes.The additive manufacturing biosensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, small error and high specificity.
Sensor systemIntelligent agricultural environmental monitoringOjha et al. [26] proposes additive manufacturing technology specifically designed to enable irrigation automation and environmental monitoring.AM technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of quality control, strengthens transparency, ensures efficient logistics, and provides high-quality and cost-effective agricultural product supply.
Monitoring the whole process of crop pro-duction and marketingden Uijl, M.J. et al. [27] realize real-time monitoring by integrating multiple additive manufacturing sensors and the HACCP traceability-principle system.
Table 4. Research status of 3D printing ink selection and optimization.
Table 4. Research status of 3D printing ink selection and optimization.
AuthorsResearch ContentsSchematic Diagram
Lee et al. [55]Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was successfully synthesized for 3D bioprinting by processing the recovered cellulose, and a hybrid bio-ink composed of PCMC and sodium alginate was prepared; their application in extrusion-based bioprinting was studied.Agriculture 14 01207 i001
Dushina et al. [56]Inks rich in high-content lupine callus (CT) suitable for 3D printing have been developed for enhancing foods with plant-cell materials and enabling 3D printing of foods with special shapes.Agriculture 14 01207 i002
Park et al. [57]Based on carrot callus samples, plant cell lines were separated and an alginate matrix was added to prepare a new ink formula. The relationship between printing performance, proliferation efficiency and texture characteristics of CBF was investigated at different initial cell densities.Agriculture 14 01207 i003
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Lu, Y.; Xu, W.; Leng, J.; Liu, X.; Xu, H.; Ding, H.; Zhou, J.; Cui, L. Review and Research Prospects on Additive Manufacturing Technology for Agricultural Manufacturing. Agriculture 2024, 14, 1207. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081207

AMA Style

Lu Y, Xu W, Leng J, Liu X, Xu H, Ding H, Zhou J, Cui L. Review and Research Prospects on Additive Manufacturing Technology for Agricultural Manufacturing. Agriculture. 2024; 14(8):1207. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081207

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lu, Yongzong, Weixuan Xu, Junyi Leng, Xiaoyue Liu, Heyang Xu, Hengnan Ding, Jianfei Zhou, and Longfei Cui. 2024. "Review and Research Prospects on Additive Manufacturing Technology for Agricultural Manufacturing" Agriculture 14, no. 8: 1207. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081207

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