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.

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

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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ESSENTIAL READING

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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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Carbon Fibers

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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Automotive

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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Knowledge Centers

Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

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Latest 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.

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CAMX

LFAM 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.

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Marine

Damen, 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.

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Marine

CEAD 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.

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Composites 4.0

Swinburne 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.

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CEAD 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.

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microwire technology for composites

Featured Posts

Thermoplastics

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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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.

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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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Carbon Fibers

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.

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Post 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. 

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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.

microwire technology for composites