Process parameters optimization for 3d printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite

Abstract

In order to enhance the quality and mechanical properties of 3D printing carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) workpiece, this paper prepares 3D printing CFRP laminates by proposing a layered coherent composite scanning path, and carries out orthogonal tests and single factor tests to disclose the effects of different process parameters (i.e., layer thickness, first layer thickness, nozzle temperature and printing speed) on the mechanical performance of the CFRP workpieces. Moreover, The grey relation analysis method is used to analyze the multi-objective parameters of the orthogonal tests results and the process parameters of 3D printing CFRP are optimized based on the tests results. The research results show that the process parameters of 3D printed CFRP can be ranked as delamination thickness, nozzle temperature, first layer thickness and printing speed, in descending order of the impact on the mechanical property of the CFRP laminates. the optimal process parameters for 3D printing include a layer thickness of 0.25 mm, a first layer thickness e of 0.2 mm, a nozzle temperature of 180°C, and printing speed of 45 mm/s. Under this parameter combination, the tensile strength, bending strength, and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the samples are 52.77 MPa, 276.63 MPa and 38.56 Mpa respectively, and the grey correlation degree increased to 0.845.