Recent advances in 3D printed fiber reinforced composites: Processing technique and mechanical performance

3D printing is an innovative additive manufacturing technology, enabling the integrated moulding of composite structure with a complex contour. 3D printing eliminates the need for the expensive moulds, which can greatly reduce the manufacturing costs and time. This paper reviewed the recent research progress of processing techniques and mechanical performance of 3D printed fiber reinforced composite. Processing techniques, printing equipment, printing materials and mechanical properties of the printed composites were analyzed and discussed in details. More focuses were paid on the recent advances in the continuous fiber reinforced composite prepared by a fused filament fabrication method. Mechanical performance of the composites manufactured by 3D printing and traditional manufacturing techniques were compared. Finally, the existing issues in the research of 3D printed fiber reinforced composites were summarized with the outline of a roadmap for the future research trend in this field.