Mechanical Characterization and Production of Complex Shapes Using Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Resin Based 3d Printing

Authors:
  • JSJohn J. La Scala
    John J. La Scala
Preprint
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Due to its design flexibility and superior mechanical strength, 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites has received significant attention in recent years. However, 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoset composites has suffered from limitations in reliability and repeatability. Light-assisted 3D printing enables the printing of commercially available thermoset resins, which have lower viscosity, with continuous fiber reinforcement. However, printing complex objects with dimensional accuracy is challenging with low-viscosity thermoset resins. The objective of this study was to discuss and implement new design considerations for 3D printing dimensionally accurate objects using thermoset resins with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement. The printed composite specimens exhibited high fiber volume fractions (i.e. 18%) compared to current commercial systems available. Mechanical characterization of the printed specimens showed comparable strength with conventionally manufactured composites. Due to the excellent wet-out of the fiber with the matrix resin, the printed composites showed higher interlaminar shear strength as compared to thermoplastic counterparts. Additionally, this study demonstrated a new approach for 3D printing complex shapes and grid structures using low-viscosity resin through a light-assisted printing process.

This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit: