Comparative accuracy analysis of continuous fiber composite printers: Coextrusion vs. dual-nozzle technology

Comparative accuracy analysis of continuous fiber composite printers: Coextrusion vs. dual-nozzle technology

OCHANA Imi, DUCOBU François, SPITAELS Laurent, HOMRANI Mohamed Khalil, DEMARBAIX Anthonin

Abstract. Material Extrusion (MEX) technology for continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTCs) is based on the extrusion of a continuous fiber to create three-dimensional composite objects layer by layer. This technology explores three distinct methods: pre-impregnated filament, dual-nozzle, and coextrusion. The goal of this paper is to compare two printers, one using the dual nozzle technology and another relying on coextrusion. The first printer, Mark Two of Markforged, is based on dual-nozzle technology. The second printer, the Anisoprint Composer A4, stands out for its coextrusion method. Three adaptive Geometrical Benchmark Test Artifacts (GBTA), proposed by Spitaels et al. were fabricated with each printer to determine their dimensional performances. Measurements are taken using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Wenzel LH 54. The overall deviation results of the two printers are around the IT14 standard. Deviations for measurements between 1 and 10 mm are greater compared to dimensions exceeding 10 mm, averaging around IT 12. Along the Y-axis, Markforged shows smaller deviations, attributed to its smaller print bed dimension compared to Anisoprint. Additionally, Z-axis deviations are lower than those along other axes, suggesting both printers have better precision in vertical build plate movement compared to print head movement. Notably, significant deviations are observed at the center of the GBTA in comparison to the other three axes (X, Y, and Z) for both printers.

Keywords
Continuous Fiber Reinforced, Dimensional Accuracy, 3D Printing

Published online 4/24/2024, 10 pages
Copyright © 2024 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: OCHANA Imi, DUCOBU François, SPITAELS Laurent, HOMRANI Mohamed Khalil, DEMARBAIX Anthonin, Comparative accuracy analysis of continuous fiber composite printers: Coextrusion vs. dual-nozzle technology, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 41, pp 127-136, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903131-14

The article was published as article 14 of the book Material Forming

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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