Process Optimization of 3D Printing with Continuous Fiber Reinforced UV Curable Thermoset Resin

Abstract

3D printed polymer components cannot be used as structural components due to the 3D printable material property limitations. To improve mechanical properties, a composite 3D printer is developed and studied. Technical aspects of 3D printing with continuous carbon fiber reinforced dual UV and thermal curable thermoset composite were experimented. To optimize the 3D printing process parameters, the effect of printing nozzle size, line spacing of the print, and resin flow rate was studied. To achieve minimum void content and maximum fiber volume fraction, print parameter configurations were studied using microscopic surface roughness analysis. The tensile and flexural properties of 3D printed specimens were tested. Results of the study indicated that impressive mechanical properties of the 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced UV curable thermoset composite can be achieved through the optimization of printing parameters.