Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the fastest-growing additive manufacturing methods used in printing fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). The performances of the resulting printed parts are limited compared to those by other manufacturing methods due to their inherent defects. Hence, the effort to develop treatment methods to overcome these drawbacks has accelerated during the past few years. The main focus of this study is to review the impact of those defects on the mechanical performance of FRC and therefore to discuss the available treatment methods to eliminate or minimize them in order to enhance the functional properties of the printed parts. As FRC is a combination of polymer matrix material and continuous or short reinforcing fibres, this review will thoroughly discuss both thermoplastic polymers and FRCs printed via FDM technology, including the effect of printing parameters such as layer thickness, infill pattern, raster angle and fibre orientation. The most common defects on printed parts, in particular, the void formation, surface roughness and poor bonding between fibre and matrix, are explored. An inclusive discussion on the effectiveness of chemical, laser, heat and ultrasound treatments to minimize these drawbacks is provided by this review.

Additive manufacturing has allowed producing various complex structures inspired by natural materials. In this research, the bio-inspired suture structure was 3D printed using the fused deposition modeling printing technique to study its bending response behavior. Suture is one of the most commonly found structures in biological bodies. The primary purpose of this structure in nature is to improve flexibility by absorbing energy without causing permeant damage to the biological structure. An interesting discovery of the suture joint in diabolical ironclad beetle has given a great opportunity to further study the behavior of these natural suture designs. Inspired by the elliptical shape and the interlocking features of this suture, specimens were designed and 3D printed using polylactic acid thermoplastic polymer. A three-point bending test was then conducted to analyze the flexural behavior of each suture design, while digital image correlation and numerical simulation were performed to capture the insights of deformation process.

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