Additive manufacturing technologies for polymer composites: State-of-the-art and future trends

Abstract

3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is considered as an influencing part which triggered a new industrial revolution (through digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0). Layer-by-layer manufacturing was developed in the 1980s to produce models and prototypes to increase the possibilities of digital chain from computer aided design or reverse engineering. The main advantage of AM principal is its ability to shape complex geometries while decreasing the time of product development. Among the major advances that this process presents to product development are the time and cost reduction, human interaction, and consequently the product cycle development. The proposed technologies help and support the engineers in their conceptualization in order to verify mechanical, aesthetic, or assembly functions. From one technology to another, the manufacturing direction, the model orientation, and the material behavior are important to get an accurate model and an efficient production. Many technologies are available due to a demand increasing and specific needs (ex. Time reduction of manufacturing process, weight reduction…). Additive Manufacturing Technologies for polymer composites use material extrusion (ME) and vat photopolymerization (VP) which allow integrating fibers or other particles.