The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has collaborated with researchers at the University of Arkansas, Miami, Louisiana Tech, and the University of Texas at El Paso to develop 3D printed epoxy / carbon fiber composites.
Relevant personnel of the United States Air Force Research Laboratory said that these materials will be used for 3D printing of structural parts in the aerospace field, which can quickly manufacture high-strength composite parts and fixtures for soldiers. Important asset.
Standard epoxy / carbon fiber composites are made by laminating carbon fiber sheets impregnated with epoxy resin. It is then cured for several hours in an autoclave. The team believes that making thin sheets of this material can be a challenge when manufacturing complex parts. Nevertheless, such structures are used for aircraft skins with the same core geometry throughout the area. According to the team, additional fabrication of sheet structures will enable the structure to withstand greater forces while maintaining a lighter weight.
In order to produce this material, the team developed a customized direct inkjet 3D printing device with a pressure pump integrated into the device to supply resin to the nozzles, which can eventually process epoxy composite structures with short fibers.
Researchers at the US Air Force Research Laboratory believe that 3D printed composite parts made with this equipment do not require expensive autoclaves and lengthy heating times, which would allow the production of 3D printed spare parts on the battlefield or on an aircraft carrier. The material can also be easily embedded in other materials (such as metal fittings and electrical components), which can easily provide the next generation of multifunctional unmanned aerial vehicles with multifunctional structural parts with embedded sensing, driving, computing or power functions.