Composite 3D Printing Unlocks Applications in Aerospace and Robotics in China

Though much focus has been put on 3D printing with polymers and metals in recent years, there is one material family that has shown immense growth in the additive manufacturing sphere: composites. As strong as metal and as light as many polymers, composites for FFF 3D printing often include a polymer matrix and infill such as glass fiber or carbon fiber. They have become so prevalent that the global composite 3D printing market is expected to reach $490.47 million by 2030, having already achieved a value of $198.31 million in 2023. And the importance of composites for 3D printing has also been recognized by the Institute of Industrial New Materials in Dezhou, China.

Founded in January 2021, the institute is dedicated to research, developing and commercializing composite materials for applications in sectors like maritime, 5G communication, advanced manufacturing processes and high-end equipment. A provincial “new-style R&D institution” in China, it has also seen the advantage of turning to 3D printing. In partnership with INTAMSYS, the institute is spearheading two initiatives to apply 3D printing in the development of composite product parts.

Replacing Traditional Material Molding

It is hardly new that 3D printing has been put forth as a replacement or even supplement to many traditional production processes. The reason for this is because with 3D printing, complex geometries are more easily achieved. Additionally, the design can be optimized even further to reduce costs and lead times.