Selectively Enhanced 3D Printing Process and Performance Analysis of Continuous Carbon Fiber Composite Material

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Composite Materials

Background:

• General thermoplastic 3D printed models possess limited mechanical properties.
• There is a need for advanced materials with improved performance in 3D printing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel 3D printing process for selective enhancement of continuous carbon fiber composite materials.
• To investigate the mechanical property improvements achievable through this method.

Main Methods:

• Development of a selective enhanced double nozzle working mechanism and a crafts planning process.
• Utilizing a double nozzle carbon fiber 3D printing device to print polylactic acid (PLA) samples.
• Enhancing samples by inserting layers of continuous carbon fiber material.
• Conducting performance tests and field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).

Main Results:

• Tensile strength increased from 51.22 MPa to 143.11 MPa as the volume fraction of continuous carbon fiber increased from 5% to 40%.
• A performance improvement curve was fitted based on experimental data.
• FESEM analysis confirmed the microscopic distribution of continuous fibers within the samples.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D printing method effectively enhances the mechanical properties of thermoplastic models using continuous carbon fiber composites.
• The study provides a foundation for performance planning in 3D printed continuous carbon fiber composite materials.
• This technique offers a pathway to creating stronger and more durable 3D printed parts.