Design and Manufacture of Optimized Continuous Composite Fiber Filament Using Additive Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the current state of Additive Manufacturing of Fiber Reinforced Plastics technology. Recent advances in additive manufacturing, with the introduction of fused deposition modeling of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, have opened a door for further improvements in composite manufacturing. We explore in detail the different available methods of manufacturing structures with continuous fiber reinforced plastics using additive manufacturing. It was found that it's possible to print different types of fibers; Glass, Carbon, Kevlar and Yute (Bio Filaments), and there are two types of resins that are mainly used; thermosets and thermoplastics. Finally, we conclude by analyzing current challenges of this technology in the area of design and structural optimization.