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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Contactless measurement of temperature, pressure in composites
Magnetic microwires enable contactless measurement of temperature and pressure during cure and in service.
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LEARN MORELatest Additive Manufacturing News And Updates
Aimplas launches NEOCOMP and REFUGI projects
The Spanish center is focusing on the development of sustainable, flame-retardant coatings and composites to enhance safety in construction and mobility.
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DLR closes the loop in fiber-reinforced 3D printing with EmpowerAX, SchallFTP projects
Building on its work in EmpowerAX, the DLR and partners now aim to create a standardized, certifiable value chain that turns fiber waste into consistently reinforced thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing.
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Airframe Designs invests in continuous carbon fiber printing, complex parts as part of AM growth strategy
Qualifying and aligning with NCAMP for polymers and composites, 3D printed parts include radomes, air ducts, molds and helicopter enclosure panels, being delivered to well-known groups in aviation, defense and space.
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Cornerstone adopts new name, expands AM assets with Roboze Argo 1000 Hypermelt
Now CRG Defense, the firm is expanding its role as a defense tech platform with the ability to produce aerospace-grade polymer and composite parts at scale.
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Real-time part printing exhibits LSAM’s industrial scale capabilities
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.
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Interfacial, CEAD launch strategic LFAM partnership
With the help of CEAD, Interfacial closes the gap between formulation and production-ready solutions made from 3D printed thermoplastic materials and functional composites.
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Featured Posts
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Post Cure: Tool-less direct extrusion enables efficient, complex composite structure development
Backed by AI software, Hans Weber’s large-format 3D printing capabilities resulted in the successful development of a Savonius wind turbine blade in under two hours.
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Large-format AM speeds plug production for manufacture of composite boat molds
Hungarian manufacturer Rapid Prototyping transitioned its conventional foam milling process to 3D printing to produce faster, higher quality, recyclable foam plugs and composite boat molds.
WatchFAQ: 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.