Preparation and characterization of 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting composites

In this study, continuous carbon-fiber reinforced thermosetting composites were prepared using 3D printing followed by characterization of their mechanical properties. First, a 3D printing platform was fabricated to prepare the composites based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Then, the composites lamina and grids were manufactured using a FDM-based platform. Finally, the mechanical properties of the composite lamina were characterized. The results showed that the mechanical performance of the 3D printed thermosetting composites was superior to that of similar 3D printed thermoplastic composites and 3D printed short carbon fiber reinforced composites.