Multi-material fused deposition modelling for integration of interdigital dielectric sensors into carbon fibre composite tooling for in process cure monitoring

Abstract

This study introduces the concept of printing two thermoplastic materials in a single 3D Printing process – one conductive the other non-conductive – to form interdigital sensor structures for Dielectric Analysis in mould tools for cure monitoring of the epoxy matrix during the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer manufacturing process. This low-cost method would allow for reduced assembly and ease of sensor placement directly from Computed Aided Design, whilst using an accessible technology.The results obtained showed a cure point can be identified in accordance with the epoxy specifications, via integration of interdigital sensors manufactured using conductive composite PolyLactic Acid with multi-material Fused Deposition Modelling.