3D Printing of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Low Melting Point Alloy Matrix Composites: Mechanical Properties and Microstructures

Abstract

A novel 3D printing route to fabricate continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composite (CFRMMC) is proposed in this paper. It is distinguished from the 3D printing process of polymer matrix composite that utilizes the pressure inside the nozzle to combine the matrix with the fiber. This process combines the metallic matrix with the continuous fiber by utilizing the wetting and wicking performances of raw materials to form the compact internal structures and proper fiber-matrix interfaces. CF/Pb50Sn50 composites were printed with the Pb50Sn50 alloy wire and modified continuous carbon fiber. The mechanical properties of the composite specimens were studied, and the ultimate tensile strength reached 236.7 MPa, which was 7.1 times that of Pb50Sn50 alloy. The fracture and interfacial microstructure were investigated and analyzed. The relationships between mechanical properties and interfacial reactions were discussed. With the optimized process parameters, several composites parts were printed to demonstrate the advantages of low cost, short fabrication period and flexibility in fabrication of complex structures.

3D printing of continuous fiber reinforced composites: A review of the processing, pre- and post-processing effects on mechanical properties

“…As a result, 210°C has been chosen as the optimal printing temperature. Refer to Wang et al 91 (CF/Pb50Sn50 composites) and Wang et al 53 (PLA/GF composite) for additional comparable cases.…”

3D printing of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites: A Review of the Processing, Pre- and Post-Processing Effects on Mechanical Properties

“…Tian et al [101] presented a recycling and remanufacturing method for 3D printed CFRC. Wang et al [108] submerged the Cu/CF in flux solution for 1 minute before drying it at ambient temperature (25°C). Matsuzaki et al [74] heated the reinforcing fibers with a nichrome wire before introducing them into the nozzle to improve the permeation of the fiber bundles with thermoplastic resin; the heat diffuses to the resin, lowering the PLA viscosity.…”

“…The results show that as the printing speed is increased, all of the mechanical characteristics that are evaluated decrease. Samples were printed at rates of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm/s by Wang et al [108]. The tensile strength increases as the print speed increases then drop to a maximum of 236.7 MPa at a speed of 3 mm/s.…”

“…Wang et al [108] printed samples at temperatures of 255, 265, 275, and 285 degrees Celsius. The tensile strength of samples printed at 265 and 275°C was equivalent and maximal, according to the data.…”

Compression behavior of 3D printed isogrid cylindrical shell structures using experimental and finite element modeling

“…Stereo lithography (SL), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and photo-solidification are the processes currently employed for the additive manufacturing of fibers reinforced in polymers. [24,25] According to the previous assessment [26] of CFRP 3D printing technologies, FDM is the most often utilized technology due to its simplicity, dependability, and cheap cost. The FDM technique is based on the extrusion of a heated thermoplastic filament via a nozzle, and it allows for layer-by-layer deposition to produce the item.…”