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.
ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALLAvoiding 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 MoreMaterials & 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 MoreHow 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 MoreContactless measurement of temperature, pressure in composites
Magnetic microwires enable contactless measurement of temperature and pressure during cure and in service.
WatchKnowledge Centers

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.
LEARN MORELatest Additive Manufacturing News And Updates
Comau, Roboze initiative democratizes on-demand 3D printing
The Italian companies leverage expertise in robotics, 3D printing, and composite and polymer materials to enable innovation, agility and sustainability, opening new customer and market segments.
Read MoreLFAM specialization caters to 3D printed composite tooling, molds
CAMX 2025: AES is committed to driving technological advancement and application development in 3D printing, distinguishing its diverse capabilities through several tooling examples.
Read MoreDamen, CEAD explore composite 3D printing potential via HDPE Workboat project
Dutch innovators collaborate to investigate large-format 3D printing for functional shipbuilding at the recently opened Maritime Application Center.
Read MoreCEAD launches the Maritime Application Center dedicated to industrial 3D printing boat hulls
The MAC is an LFAM-powered production facility equipped with highly automated, digitally driven manufacturing processes and built around a collaborative model to develop the boats of the future.
Read MoreSwinburne highlights composites and Industry 4.0 activities
Swinburne University of Technology’s facilities and research expertise have attained milestone developments in a UAV wingbox, customized carbon fiber components, digital manufacturing and 3D printing.
Read MoreCEAD technologies supports FIDAMC advanced manufacturing
CEAD-powered microfactories for composites additive manufacturing builds the Spanish technology center’s collaborative environment, enables expansion into new industries.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
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.
WatchVIDEO: 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.
WatchFIDAMC 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 MorePost 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.
Read MoreLarge-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.
WatchPost Cure: Continuous fiber injection reinforces 3D printed parts
Reinforce 3D’s postprocessing technology injects continuous carbon fibers and liquid resin into parts with tubular cavities, enabling reinforcement and integral joining for components like a satellite antenna support.
Read MoreFAQ: 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.