In parts one, two and three of this series, we’ve discussed the variety of technological developments taking place in the 3D printing of composites but have not yet covered the materials used.

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Well, except for carbon fiber. The matrix materials used with carbon fiber can be just as important as the reinforcement material itself.

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In this section, we will explore the matrix polymers used so far in carbon fiber 3D printing. We’ll also take a look at some other reinforcement materials used instead of carbon fiber.

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Chopped Fiber-Filled Filaments

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Outside of additive manufacturing (AM), the range of matrix polymers that can be reinforced with fiber materials stretches the gamut, including many epoxy, polyester, nylon and vinyl formulations. In 3D printing, however, each new material that is developed is processed based on the parameters of a given AM technology. For 3D printing filaments filled with chopped carbon fibers, there […]

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