Additive Manufacturing of Composite Materials: Mechanical Properties and Surface Finish Analysis
Keywords:
additive manufacturing, composite materials,, fatigue performance, material extrusion,, mechanical properties,, surface roughness, laser polishing,, powder-bed fusionAbstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) of composite materials—particularly fiber- and particle-reinforced thermoplastics and metals—offers design flexibility, tailored mechanical performance, and near-net-shape fabrication. This study evaluates mechanical properties and surface finish of AM composites processed via material extrusion (FDM/FFF), powder‑bed (SLM/PBF), and directed energy deposition (DED). We discuss how reinforcement types (e.g. short/continuous fibers, ceramic/metal particles), process parameters, and post-processing methods influence tensile strength, stiffness, fatigue resistance, roughness, and defect formation. A literature survey highlights trends: carbon/ glass‑fiber reinforced ABS/PLA exhibit increased modulus and tensile strength but with decreased ductility due to porosity and weak fiber–matrix bonding. We conclude that achieving high performance in AM composites demands holistic control—from powder/feedstock quality and parameter tuning to tailored post-processing. Future work should address scalable reinforcement alignment, in-situ surface monitoring, and data-driven process optimization to balance mechanical integrity with aesthetic finish.
