You probably know that carbon fiber is the gold standard for high-performance materials. But did you know that you can now 3D print with the material? Today’s manufacturers are taking advantage of combining the high strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber with the versatility of additive manufacturing, and it’s changing how we build things. Engineers are swapping out machined aluminum for carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRP) to save time, reduce costs, create complex geometries, and improve efficiency. Read on to explore five practical uses for carbon fiber 3D printing in manufacturing.
Functional Prototyping
Standard PLA creates pretty models, but they shatter easily under stress. Carbon fiber filament, however, is much tougher. With the latter, you can create prototypes that mimic the mechanical properties of final metal parts. You can confidently test snap-fits, load-bearing brackets, living hinges, structural enclosures, and more with much less fear of failure.
Manufacturing Aids
Many factory floors run on custom tools, but machining these from metal takes weeks and costs a fortune. Conversely, printing jigs and fixtures with carbon fiber cuts that lead time to hours. It allows you to produce lightweight alignment jigs, durable assembly fixtures, precise drill guides, and ergonomic holding tools on demand.
End-Use Production Parts
Injection molding is a great method for mass-producing certain products, but it’s expensive for small batches. Carbon fiber 3D printing bridges the gap between prototyping and mass production. Moreover, the material is stiff enough for permanent installation.
Robotics and Automation
Robotics is sensitive to weight. For instance, heavy metal effectors slow down automation lines and drain batteries. But if you swap heavy aluminum for lightweight carbon fiber, you can increase speed and payload capacity. This is ideal for robotic arms, end-of-arm tooling, drone chassis, and automated guided vehicle components.
Replacement Parts
When a legacy machine breaks, waiting for a spare part can cause expensive downtime. Instead, what if you could just scan the broken part and print a temporary replacement instantly? Carbon fiber, in many cases, offers the necessary heat resistance and chemical stability to provisionally replace gears, levers, machine guards, and so forth.
Upgrade Your Manufacturing Capabilities
Do you want to take advantage of the manufacturing uses for carbon fiber 3D printing? If so, you need a reliable equipment supplier. 3D Printers Depot is the premier online destination for professional equipment. It is exactly where to buy a 3D printer of almost any type, including high-temperature machines capable of printing carbon fiber filament. Browse our site today to find the right tool for your application.