COMPOSITES THROUGH 3D PRINTING
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers: A 3D printing Ink of the Future The aim is to create a 3D printing system able to process composites material with a thermosetting matrix for all the sectors and application fields that require high performance, complex shape and extreme personalization. The development of manufacturing technologies and smart slicing technique in order to 3D print short and continuous fiber composites materials with a precise control on shape, fiber density and orientation is an important agenda Innovation thrusts the Additive Manufacturing industry and the simultaneous development of more versatile raw materials is a key factor. The development of materials such as High Strength High Heat Fiberglass (HSHT Fiberglass) is one such example. The advancement is 3D Printing techniques will only demand more consumption of GFR to develop/fabricate applications economically, efficiently, with reduced process time and mainly tailored to the exact needs of the customer The focus is on continuous fiber based composites which would ultimately enable the 3D Printing industry to fabricate/develop larger industrial parts with comparable strengths to metals but one-third the weight. What both Industries are aiming for: There is a lot of opportunity for 3D printing to grow within composites. Today, the technology is already being used to serve textile composite applications in biotech, aeronautics, automotive, and more. It's the inherent characteristics of glass fiber composite that makes it so well-suited for use with 3D printers. Strength, cost-effectiveness, and ease of customization are all reasons manufacturers turn to GFRC and will continue to be interested in the progress of 3D tech. The ever advancing field of 3D printing is facilitating the development of raw materials involving glass fiber reinforcements and in turn driving innovation and growth in the development of new resins and polymer matrix imparting upgraded properties. If textile composites are undergoing a revolution, 3D printing is leading the charge. REFERENCES: Websites: Case Studies (Product makers): 3D Printing Labs/ Awareness medium: Blog: 3dprinting-blog.com Magazines: Image Courtesy: M/S Shutterstock.com