TAGS: 3D Printing Thermoplastic Composites
A team of engineers from the University of Delaware has developed a 3D printing technology that enables low-cost, flexible production of items made of fiber-reinforced polymer composites using continuous carbon fibers and thermosetting polymers.
Technology to Control Thickness and Degree of Curing
The team developed an approach called localized in-plane thermal assisted (LITA) 3D printing, which allows the user to control the thickness and degree of curing of liquid polymer that solidifies into the desired shape.
In LITA 3D printing, the researchers carefully manipulate the temperature of the carbon fibers, aiding the flow of liquid polymers into channels between the carbon fibers. Then, the polymers are cured, solidifying into a three-dimensional structure. No post-curing is needed in LITA 3D printing, which could save a large amount of energy compared to the conventionally fabricated composites requiring tens of hours of post-curing.
“This is believed to be the first time anyone has achieved such 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber and thermosetting composite,” said Kun (Kelvin) Fu, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware.
Robotic System with Unique Printing Head
The team developed a robotic system that includes a unique printing head and automated robot arm. This customized 3D printer allows the group to print a variety of shapes and structures.
“Continuous carbon fibers and thermosetting resins are very important to make strong and light-weight composites, and they are widely used in many applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and sports products,” said Kun (Kelvin) Fu,
“3D printing could reduce labor and tooling cost, and fabricate composite in a more energy-efficient, rapid, and reliable way with minimum defects.”
LITA 3D printing could provide many industries with a rapid, energy-efficient method to make composite components in a variety of shapes using a variety of combinations of polymers and fibers.
Source: University of Delaware