3D Printing For Composite Material

Presented by :
ELLAOU BADR
 Introduction
• In recent years, composite 3D printing has become increasingly popular.
One of the youngest branches of 3D printing, this technology is now used
by many players in additive manufacturing, such as Impossible Objects ,it
has become so popular that some studies estimate that the composite 3D
printing market will reach $1.73 billion by 2030
 What are Composite Materials?

• Composite materials are made of at least two components, typically combining a

plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers. In 3D printing, these materials are used to
enhance properties like strength, durability, and weight efficiency. Fibers used in
3D printing composites include carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar
 3D Printing for Composite Materials

• 3D printing has become increasingly popular in producing composite materials. It

allows for the creation of complex structures and customized designs that are
difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Composite materials
in 3D printing often involve a mix of a plastic matrix with fibers like carbon fiber,
fiberglass, or Kevlar, offering special properties suited for various industries
Printing a composite material (photo credits: SABIC)
​ Benefits of 3D Printing for Composites

reduced material waste

enhance parameters of
strength, stiffness, and high strength-to-weight ratio
durability and robust tensile strength​

For instance, carbon fiber- complex geometries

reinforced materials in 3D printing
offer a high strength-to-weight ratio
and robust tensile strength​
 Materials Used in Composite 3D Printing

In composite material ,it is necessary to mix a plastic, which we will call the matrix,
with fibers. Today, there are many different kinds of fibers, but three are mainly
used for 3D printing: carbon fiber, which is probably the most popular, fiberglass,
and PPD-T, also known as Kevlar
•Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials
•Fiberglass Reinforced Composite Materials
•Kevlar Reinforced Materials
3D Printing Techniques for Composites
• Key 3D printing techniques for composites include Fused Deposition
Modeling (FDM), where a material is heated and extruded layer by layer,
and Stereolithography (SLA), which uses a laser to cure liquid resin into
hardened plastic
FDM Techniques
 Key difference in FDM Method
Printing Process:
•Feeding the Filament: Similar to traditional FDM, the composite filament is
fed into the printer’s extrusion head.
•Heating and Extrusion: The filament is heated to a specific temperature where
the thermoplastic matrix softens enough to be extruded through a nozzle, but not
so hot that it degrades the reinforcing fibers.
•Layer-by-Layer Printing: The extruded composite material is deposited layer
by layer to build the part. The orientation of the fibers within each layer largely
follows the path of the extrusion, which affects the mechanical properties of the
final part.
3D printing of a Kevlar composite material (photo credit: Markforged)
 Applications of 3D Printed Composites

Applications range across various industries such as aerospace for lightweight part:
•automotive for customized components.
•medical and prosthetics.
•and construction for complex architectural elements.
Prototype of a bridge part printed using fiberglass (photo credits: CEAM)
Aircraft and Automotive parts
 Conclusion
• In conclusion, 3D printing of composite materials is a rapidly evolving
field with significant potential. It offers unique advantages in creating
complex, customized, and high-strength materials, with applications
spanning across diverse industries. Continuous innovation in materials
and printing technology is key to unlocking even more possibilities in this
domain.