Technological progress and challenges of volumetric additive manufacturing technology

Volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) is a groundbreaking technology that produces an entire object in one step within seconds, breaking away from conventional layer-by-layer 3D printing. By decoupling print time from complexity, VAM achieves rapid fabrication of intricate architectures with improved mechanical isotropy and surface quality. This review introduces VAM’s technical development, focusing on performance improvement pathways. At the hardware level, we summarise core components like light source systems, resin vats, and motion control, explaining how upgrades enable breakthroughs in resolution, volume, and speed. At the software level, we review optimisation for 3D modelling, energy-dose calculation, process monitoring and defect prediction, clarifying how innovation improves accuracy, stability, and material adaptability. Furthermore, we review material systems and photopolymerization mechanisms, including acrylate resins, hydrogels, and nanocomposites, and discuss how light–matter interactions govern print fidelity. Finally, we discuss the limitations we discuss the limitations regarding precision, material diversity, and stability. This technology is expected to move towards high precision, large-scale, multi-material collaboration, and intelligent manufacturing. This review provides a comprehensive reference for VAM technology optimisation, helping its broader application and progress in various fields.