Composites in rapid prototyping

• Main Authors: Gibson, I., Liu, Y., Savalani, M.M., Anand, L.K.;
• Other Authors: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: Journal for New Generation Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 3: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein 2015
• Subjects: Rapid Prototyping; Composites; Functionally Graded Components
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11462/540

Published Article === This paper looks at the development of composite materials in layered manufacturing. It is known that Rapid Prototyping (RP) using a single material compares poorly with other conventional manufacturing processes when making parts from similar materials. For example, injection moulded parts are over 30% stronger than RP fabricated parts of the same material. The incorporation of secondary materials can result in a composite that can improve this situation. This paper will discuss different composites that are commercially available as well as some into which research is being conducted. An advantage of RP is that composites do not have to be manufactured in a homogeneous manner. Functionally graded parts may be fabricated where reinforcing material can be added in appropriate locations and in required orientations.