The United States has developed a 3d-printed epoxy carbon fiber composite

The air force research laboratory (AFRL) has worked with researchers at the university of Arkansas, the university of Miami, Louisiana tech university and the university of Texas at el paso to develop a 3d-printed epoxy/carbon fiber composite.

The materials will be used in the 3D printing of structural parts in aerospace, allowing soldiers to quickly make high-strength composite parts and fixtures, and could be an important asset in on-demand manufacturing on the battlefield and accelerating the development of weapon systems, according to air force research laboratories.

Standard epoxy/carbon fiber composites are made by laminating carbon fiber sheets impregnated with epoxy resin and then curing for several hours in a hot press tank.The team believes that making thin sheets of the material is a challenge when it comes to making complex parts.Nevertheless, such structures are used for aircraft skins with the same core geometry throughout the region.According to the team, the extra sheet construction will allow the structure to withstand more force while maintaining a lighter weight.

To produce the material, the team developed a customized direct-ink-jet 3D printing device that incorporates a pressure pump to feed the nozzle with resin, and ultimately to process epoxy composite structures with short fibers.

Researchers at the air force research laboratory believe that 3d-printed composite parts made with such equipment will be able to produce 3d-printed spare parts on the battlefield or on aircraft carriers without the need for expensive thermos tanks and lengthy heating times.The material can also be easily embedded in other materials (such as metal accessories and electrical components), making it convenient to provide multi-functional structural parts with embedded sensing, drive, computing or electrical functions for the next generation of multi-functional uavs