1
Return

Challenges and opportunities in machine learning for metal additive manufacturing: data scarcity and interpretability

delete2026-05-06
delete0
PRE
AI
K
Kai Guo
S
Songzhe Xu *
C
Chang Sun
W
Wentao Yan
J
Jinhui Yan
H
Hao Yu
C
Chenchong Wang
W
Wei Xu
J
Jinguo Li
Z
Zhongnan Bi
T
Tao Hu
R
Ruixin Zhao
J
Jiang Wang
C
Chaoyue Chen *
Z
Zhongming Ren
DOI:10.1016/j.mattod.2026.103371delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Metal additive manufacturing (MAM) offers significant advantages in near-net shape production of complex parts. However, the intricate relationship between process parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties makes quality control challenging. Machine learning (ML) offers a powerful framework to address this issue. Data scarcity remains the primary bottleneck that restricts the application of ML in MAM. We have conducted a comprehensive exploration of the issues and solutions related to data scarcity in MAM and discussed various techniques for data generating, sampling, and fusion. These range from high-throughput experiments and simulations to advanced methods such as active learning and multi-fidelity fusion technology. In addition, we address the interpretability challenge in MAM by highlighting the trade-off between data, accuracy, and physical consistency. By classifying methods of domain knowledge integration, we provide a systematic guide to their advantages and constraints in enhancing model reliability. Finally, a roadmap for ML in MAM is proposed, highlighting the synergy between knowledge graph-driven RAG agents, high-fidelity digital twins, and embodied intelligence. This path aims to achieve autonomous manufacturing through self-improving closed-loop systems, accelerating the transition to fully intelligent, data-driven production.
Keywords:
machine learning
metal additive manufacturing
data scarcity
interpretability
digital twins

Journal

M
Materials Today
IF:
22
Papers:
279
Citations:
0

Organization

N
Northeastern University
Scholars:
2.3W
Papers: 1.5W
Citations: 3.0W
C
central iron & steel research institute
Scholars:
10
Papers: 6
Citations: 0
U
university of illinois urbana-champaign
Scholars:
2.0K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 0
N
National University of Singapore
Scholars:
7.4W
Papers: 6.4W
Citations: 11.4W
S
shanghai university
Scholars:
3.8W
Papers: 2.7W
Citations: 52
C
chinese academy of sciences
Scholars:
54.9W
Papers: 44.5W
Citations: 703
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers