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Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has revolutionized composite production by enabling the layer-by-layer construction of intricate composite structures. In the realm of composites, additive manufacturing techniques allow for the creation of complex geometries with precise fiber orientations and resin distribution, optimizing material performance. This technology offers the flexibility to customize parts, reduce waste, and experiment with novel composite combinations. By depositing materials layer upon layer, additive manufacturing facilitates the production of lightweight, high-strength components tailored for specific applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in composite design and fabrication.

Processes in composites manufacturing encompass a diverse array of techniques employed to fabricate composite materials. These processes include methods like hand layup, where layers of resin and reinforcement materials are manually placed, and vacuum infusion, where a vacuum draws resin into a preform. Other techniques like compression molding, filament winding, and automated methods such as 3D printing are utilized to create intricate and specialized composite structures. Each process offers unique advantages in terms of precision, scalability, and efficiency, catering to diverse industry needs. As technology advances, newer methods are emerging, promising faster production cycles, reduced waste, and increased customization, driving the evolution of composite manufacturing towards more sophisticated and versatile methodologies.

CAMX 2025: Thermwood’s presence at CAMX showcases composite additive manufacturing at industrial scale, from daily LSAM Additive Printer 510 demos with various material suppliers to a complete parts display.

Additional natural gas fuel system orders at a value of $4.3 million include more than 20 Class 8 fleets.

Polymer AM equipment maker Roboze sees how the oil and gas industry’s way forward with additive is like that of another high-stakes industry, aerospace, and also different in important aspects.

Additive was developed to preserve properties, surface quality of polyamides, polyolefins (fiber-reinforced and other) under demanding light conditions, minimizing changes in color and gloss.

Composites companies like Syensqo, Daher, Kordsa, Henkel, Armacell, Gurit, Diab and Envalior are leading the charge in operations transparency, climate action, more sustainable infrastructure and other areas.

Between 2026-2027, Safran begins construction for two LEAP engine MRO facilities, a LEAP-1A assembly line and expansion of three existing sites.

EU-funded Horizon Europe project tackles lower production cost, enhanced sustainability and first-time-right parts fabrication through the fusion of biology, additive manufacturing and AI.

Additional 53,000 square footage, which could grow to 250,000 square feet of operational space by 2027, will support complex airframe component delivery for DOD, UAS programs.

Seven-month project will develop folding sail systems for Anemoi’s 3.5-meter-diameter rotor sail, and cover additional design optimizations that are expected to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind-assisted vessels.

Additional composites-intensive SR Series and Vision Jet manufacture support, along with equipment, storage and technical tools will be added over the next few years.