Maximizing the Performance of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Fiber-reinforced 3D printing technology offers significant improvement in the mechanical properties of resulting composites relative to printed (3DP) polymer-based composites. However, 3DP fiber-reinforced composite structures suffer from low fiber content compared traditional composite, such as orthogonal woven preforms solidified with vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) that impedes their high-performance applications aerospace, automobile, marine and building industries. The present research included fabrication fiberglass-reinforced nylon composites, maximum possible dictated by current at varying orientations (such 0/0, 0/90, ±45 0/45/90/−45) characterizing microstructural performance properties, tensile impact resistance (Drop-weight, Izod Charpy). Results indicated orientation have tremendous effect on even though they inherently contain structural defects terms voids premature failure Benchmarking results VARTM (3DOW) revealed had slightly lower strength due poor matrix infusion between adjacent layers/raster, delamination lack through-thickness reinforcement, but excellent (224% more strong) favorable having a laminated structure developed layer-by-layer fashion.