Diamond 2D/3D Printing Technology

Abstract

Diamond's unique combination of hardness, high thermal conductivity, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility makes it a highly attractive material for next-generation technologies. However, its integration into functional devices has long been limited by the difficulties of processing bulk diamond. Recent advances in additive manufacturing have enabled the use of diamond in nano- and microparticulate forms, significantly expanding its accessibility and versatility. This review presents the state-of-the-art in printing with diamond particles using inkjet, screen, microcontact, and 3D printing techniques, which offer enhanced design freedom, compatibility with diverse substrates, and streamlined prototyping workflows. Particular emphasis is placed on how particle properties, together with ink, resin, filament, or powder formulation, influence print quality and final performance. The reviewed applications span microfabricated structures, various sensing, and thermal management devices, wear-resistant tools, and biomedical interfaces. Key technical challenges, including particle dispersion, interfacial bonding, and equipment wear, are addressed alongside emerging strategies such as surface functionalization, AI-assisted process optimization, and multimaterial integration. By bridging materials science and device engineering, printed diamond technologies offer a scalable and flexible route to high-performance, multifunctional components. This review serves as a resource for researchers aiming to integrate diamond into advanced printed material platforms.