Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are special advanced composite materials. The significant capabilities of additive manufacturing (AM) technology in material and structural control offer promising opportunities for designing and fabricating next-generation FGMs. However, the current fabrication of FGMs using AM technology (AM-FGMs) is often relies on empirical methodologies, limiting the exploitation of the distinctive features of high-performance FGMs. Therefore, we propose a "bottom-to-top" design concept for AM-FGMs aimed at achieving high performance, versatility, and suitability for industrial applications in extreme environments, integrating optimal design with AM technology. Initially, this paper discusses the optimal design of AM-FGMs, emphasizing multi-scale and multi-functional design driven by AM technology. Subsequently, the advantages and disadvantages of different AM-FGMs fabrication methods, process optimization, and post-processing optimization are discussed. Finally, the versatile applications, research challenges, and prospects of AM-FGMs are summarized. This work contributes to advancing the realization of high-performance AM-FGMs and offers valuable guidance for the fabrication in the future.
Li et al. (2025) studied this question.