Additive Manufacturing of Polymer-Based Composites Using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF): a Review

In this review paper, recent developments in the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) approach are provided for composite materials. Influencing parameters in FFF process such as road width, print speed, layer thickness, feed rate and build temperature of the model (both liquefier and envelope temperature), fiber orientation, the layer position, volume fraction, and infill orientation have been studied. These considered parameters in the strength/bonding or physicochemical characterizations of FFF-fabricated parts have been presented in detail. An overview of the mechanical properties of printed parts for different composite material systems is presented and discussed. Three types of reinforced polymers in FFF process have been considered: filled reinforced polymers, continuous fiber-reinforced polymers, and short fiber reinforced polymers.

Automated summary

This review paper provides recent developments in the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) approach for composite materials, focusing on influencing parameters and their impact on the strength/bonding or physicochemical characterizations of FFF-fabricated parts. An overview of the mechanical properties of printed parts for different composite material systems is presented and discussed. The study considers three types of reinforced polymers in FFF process: filled reinforced polymers, continuous fiber-reinforced polymers, and short fiber reinforced polymers.