3D printing of composite materials: A short review

Reduced wastage of material, design flexibility and the competence to manufacture complex structures have led to the adoption of 3D printing technology in automotive, aviation, medical and other engineering sectors. Furthermore, research in 3D printing has generated enormous opportunities for academicians and scientists to create complicated structures with desired properties. In this short review, recent research works on the three-dimensional printing of composite materials is provided by highlighting the materials utilized, technologies adopted and the challenges faced. Reinforcing particulate fillers and fibres incorporated in different 3D printable thermoplastic matrix systems are discussed. Typically, the properties and performances of 3D printed composite parts for different applications are presented. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.