Reshaping of tapes for the production of continuous fiber-reinforced 3D-printing filaments

Abstract

The limited availability of high-quality continuous fiber-reinforced 3D-printing filaments is a major obstacle to the increased use of continuous fiber-reinforced 3D printing in demanding lightweight applications like in aviation industry. The reshaping of already impregnated tapes represents a possible alternative to a process with direct melt impregnation for the productions of such 3D-printing filaments. A system technology is shown that makes it possible to produce continuous fiber-reinforced 3D-printing filaments from tapes. In addition, the main differences to a process with direct melt impregnation are discussed, with a focus on the semi-finished product quality and the cost-effectiveness of the process.