Adapted Design Process for Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Additive Manufacturing—A Methodological Framework

Abstract

Continuous fiber-reinforced material extrusion is an emerging additive manufacturing process that builds components layer by layer by extruding a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic strand. This novel manufacturing process combines the benefits of additive manufacturing with the mechanical properties and lightweight potential of composite materials, making it a promising approach for creating high-strength end products. The field of design for additive manufacturing has developed to provide suitable methods and tools for such emerging processes. However, continuous fiber-reinforced material extrusion, as a relatively new technology, has not been extensively explored in this context. Designing components for this process requires considering both restrictive and opportunistic aspects, such as extreme anisotropy and opportunities for functional integration. Existing process models and methods do not adequately address these specific needs. To bridge this gap, a tailored methodology for designing continuous fiber-reinforced material extrusion is proposed, building on established process models. This includes developing process-specific methods and integrating them into the process model, such as a process selection analysis to assess the suitability of the method and a decision model for selecting the process for highly stressed components. Additionally, a detailed design process tailored to continuous fiber-reinforced material extrusion is presented. The application of the developed process model is demonstrated through a case study.