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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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.
WatchKnowledge Centers
In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.
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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.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
LEARN MORELatest Additive Manufacturing News And Updates
Reinforce 3D forms alliance with 3D printing company Spring Srl
Integration of CFIP technology with additive manufacturing will facilitate optimized composites manufacturing and build up CFIP’s scale.
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FIDAMC signs six strategic agreements for composites innovation
Composites-focused technocenter builds alliances for R&D in digital and sustainable technologies, additive manufacturing, TPCs, hydrogen and new technocenter development.
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VCARB Formula 1 renews tech partnership with Roboze
Additional 3-year collaboration reaffirms focus and trust in Roboze’s advanced composite 3D printing materials, processes for precision motorsport parts.
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Reinforce 3D, Bauer Hockey partner for CFIP-optimized sports equipment
Continuous carbon fiber injection process (CFIP) will achieve more durable, high-performance equipment for every athletic discipline.
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Reinforce 3D receives €1.2 million investment to support 2025 growth plans
Production, R&D team and strategic market expansion will scale up the company’s continuous carbon fiber injection technology, composite capabilities.
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V2 Group, Caracol achieve large-format 3D printed monolithic boat
Functional glass fiber-reinforced rPP catamaran offers a tangible example of 3D printing’s ability to accelerate production time, minimize material waste and manufacture quality nautical structures.
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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.
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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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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 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.