Application of 3D Printing Technology in Microreactor Fabrication

Abstract

Microreactors have gained widespread use in the chemical industry because of their superior mixing efficiency, excellent mass and heat transfer properties, eco-friendly nature, and controllable safety processes. However, traditional manufacturing methods for microreactors suffer from complex production processes, insufficient precision, difficulty in creating intricate structures, and high costs. Conversely, 3D printing technology offers high-precision manufacturing, customizable mass production, shorter production cycles, and ease of producing complex structures, effectively addressing the shortcomings of conventional microreactor fabrication methods. This paper reviews the application of 3D printing technology in manufacturing microreactors based on existing literature, focusing on the technical processes of 3D printing, applications of 3D printed microreactors, selection of 3D printing materials, and performance analysis. Finally, it summarizes and discusses the challenges and future developments in 3D printing for microreactor manufacturing from the perspectives of printing materials, printing processes, and printing costs.