Multi-Material
3D Printing &
Bio-Mimicry
A comprehensive analysis of 17 research papers exploring the intersection of additive manufacturing, material characterization, and biomechanical modeling.
Core Synthesis
The reviewed literature reveals a significant convergence towards **multi-material additive manufacturing** (particularly PolyJet technology) as a key enabler for creating **bio-inspired structures** and **tissue surrogates**.
The Rise of Multi-Material Composites
Researchers are increasingly leveraging the ability to print rigid and soft materials simultaneously. This allows for **functionally graded materials** (FGMs) that eliminate sharp interfaces, improving mechanical performance and mimicking natural structures like bone-tendon junctions.
Bio-Fidelity & Tissue Engineering
A major focus is on developing **tissue surrogates** (skin, organs, infant skulls) for surgical training and planning. Studies show that by tuning printing parameters and material mixtures, synthetic models can closely match the non-linear mechanical properties of biological tissues.
Advanced Characterization Needs
Standard testing methods are often insufficient for these complex composites. The field is moving towards advanced techniques like **Digital Image Correlation (DIC)**, **nanoindentation**, and **volume-based aspiration** to accurately characterize local properties and interface mechanics.