Scope of 3-D Printing in Mining and Geology: An Overview

Abstract

The uses of 3-D printed materials are increasing at a rapid pace and even able to expand its reach among many researchers in the field of mining and geoscience. This paper describes by extensive study the practicality and benefits of using 3-D printed materials in many divisions of mining and earth science such as geology, rock mechanics, mining machinery, etc. both in academic and industry point of view. It illustrates some instances on how the complex study of rock properties like anisotropy, discontinuities, and its orientations, etc. can be simplified with the help of 3-D printed structures. It also describes how its use in various rockmass classification system such as RMR, GSI, RMi, and Q-system can make the process easier.