COMPOSITES
#OneWordFromAnisoprintingWorld
This is the series of terms through which you can learn anisoprinting basics. Today, let’s talk about composites.
Composites (composite materials) artificial materials that consist of several components with different properties and distinct boundaries between the components. These components can be divided into two groups: reinforcing material and a matrix.
Reinforcing materials bring properties such as strength and stiffness, whilst matrix connects individual reinforcing elements making them work together.
There are several types of composites depending on what are they reinforced with.
The composites can be “filled” with some particles or short/chopped fibers or “reinforced” with long (endless or continuous) fibers. While chopped fibers reinforced composites are about 2–4 times stronger than pure plastic, continuous fibers make polymers dozens of times stronger and stiffer.
There is a number of traditional techniques for manufacturing composites. Just a few of them imply automated forming steps, such as filament winding or automated tape laying/fiber placement. But these approaches are limited to the production of certain shapes, such as sheets or cylinders. They also require tools or moulds and several different post-processing steps such as curing, demoulding and machining.
To overcome the limitations of traditional technologies, we’ve developed a brand new approach, anisoprinting, which is based on the latest developments in additive manufacturing or 3D printing. There are some other continuous fiber 3D printing technologies at the market.
What types of 3D printed composites exist and what are their advantages? Let’s talk about it with the next word.
You can share this article with your colleagues and friends to let them know 3D printed composites basics. Click one of the share icons below.
