Additive Manufacturing/ 3D Printing Using Composites

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.

KraussMaffei makes LFAM both a product line and an internal benefit
Additive Manufacturing

KraussMaffei makes LFAM both a product line and an internal benefit

Plastics processing equipment supplier now offers two LFAM machines to customers and to complement its own production uses, enabling a variety of polymer to fiber-filled application options.

READ MORE

ESSENTIAL READING

VIEW ALL

Avoiding pitfalls in the design of LFAM composite components

Recoat temperature, part orientation and bead geometry are some key design variables to consider for a successful and reliable large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) process.

Read More
Weaving

Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods

There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.

Read More

How to validate 3D-printed composite part performance

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) workflow simulates composite material performance to speed development, optimize performance and reduce costs for a redesigned 3D-printed CFRP bracket.

Read More
Automotive

Contactless measurement of temperature, pressure in composites

Magnetic microwires enable contactless measurement of temperature and pressure during cure and in service.

Watch

Knowledge Centers

Composites in Infrastructure and Construction
Composites in Infrastructure and Construction

ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ’s CW Tech Days: Infrastructure event offers a series of expert presentations on composite materials, processes and applications that should and will be considered for use in the infrastructure and construction markets.

LEARN MORE
The CAMX Forecast
The CAMX Forecast

Headed to CAMX? Preview the technology before the show!

LEARN MORE

Latest Additive Manufacturing News And Updates

Caracol raises $40 million Series B to progress global scale-up

The international round marks a key milestone, consolidating Caracol’s leadership in Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East, supporting its exponential growth and fueling expansion into new markets.

Read More
Electronics

Korean researchers develop 3D printed CNT sensors for health monitoring, flexible electronics and smart textiles

CNT-based nanocomposites are optimized specifically for vat photopolymerization-type 3D printing, maintaining high stretchability and electrical conductivity.

Read More

Caracol acquires Hans Weber’s additive manufacturing assets

Caracol will acquire Weber’s IP and additive technology with the goal of strengthening the LFAM technological roadmap for European customers and building up its presence in the DACH region.

Read More
Automation

FIDAMC inaugurates CFA facility in Cádiz for composites innovation

FIDAMC’s Centro de Fabricación Avanzada (CFA), backed by over €18 million and 20 years of composites expertise, will drive multi-sector industrialization in 3D printing, robotics and sustainable materials.

Read More

CEAD, RusselSmith to bring LFAM to Africa in localization efforts

Collaborative efforts will help businesses across West Africa improve uptime, reliability and supply chain efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Read More

Stack3D invests in, integrates CEAD Hybrid Flexbot

Stack3D pairs the LFAM FlexBot with its own R&D and materials processing capabilities to offer rapid, end-to-end production from prototyping to low-volume manufacturing.

Read More

Featured Posts

Caracol North American headquarters can produce 100 systems per year

The Italian LFAM systems manufacturer has opened a new facility in Texas that will support application development, service and the production of its turnkey robot-enabled 3D polymer composite printers. 

Read More
Focus on Design

Optimizing a CFRP landing leg demonstrator

MT Aerospace achieves design for manufacturing, integrating multiple elements into one-piece structure using AFP and 3D printed tooling to meet time and budget constraints.

Watch

In oil and gas, an additive manufacturing standard (API 20T) will aid adoption of composites

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.

Watch
JEC

JEC World 2025 highlights: New thermoplastics, PI fiber, solutions for FR, machining, digitized processes and more

CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses latest developments in composites from this year’s show.

Watch
JEC

VIDEO: Enhancing composite tooling with additive manufacturing

At JEC World 2025, CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis explored the latest advancements in composite tooling with Massivit and Sika.

Watch
Aerospace

FIDAMC expands composites R&D into new markets and advanced manufacturing centers

Pioneering technocenter advances RTM, thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing, microwire, novel lighter weight LSP and more.

Read More

FAQ: Additive Manufacturing

What is additive manufacturing in composites?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, in composites involves the layer-by-layer deposition of composite materials, such as continuous fibers or chopped fibers within a matrix, to create complex parts or structures.

What types of additive manufacturing methods are used for composites?

Various methods are employed, including Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CFF), Binder Jetting, Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and others that selectively deposit materials to build composite parts.

What composite materials can be used in additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing processes can work with a range of composite materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber composites, and even advanced materials like nanocomposites or hybrid composites.

What are the advantages of additive manufacturing in composites?

Benefits include the ability to create complex geometries, lightweight structures, reduced material waste, customization, rapid prototyping, and the integration of functional features within parts.

Are there limitations to additive manufacturing in composites?

Challenges include limitations in scaling for large-scale production, post-processing requirements, ensuring consistent mechanical properties, and the need for advancements in material options.