Investigating the Influence of Fiber Orientation on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Additively Manufactured Continuous Glass Fiber-Reinforced Nylon Composites

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by enabling the fabrication of complex and customized components with unprecedented design freedom. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on extending the capabilities of AM to produce fiber reinforced composites, which offer exceptional mechanical properties and enhanced performance characteristics. This article evaluates the tensile and flexural (three-point bending) properties of additively manufactured continuous glass fiber-reinforced nylon composites (CGFRNCs). Composites are designed using constant fiber volume fraction (Vf) and variable fiber orientations (θ) by US-based Markforged’s ‘Mark Two’ 3D printer. Vf is 27% for all composite coupons and θ is varied by 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° (or -45°). Experimental results show the maximum tensile strength of 225.78 MPa for 0° and maximum flexural strength of 82.84 MPa also for 0°. Damage analysis has been carried out in X-ray Micro Computed Tomography.