Continuous Composites and its partner, the French chemical company Arkema, have successfully applied a new 3D printing technology. This technology utilizes composite materials containing “continuous” fibers (CF3D). This achievement has attracted the attention of the US military. It is speculated that parts printed using this technology could be used in various military equipment, including aviation equipment such as drones, manned aircraft, and helicopters.
This multimillion-dollar investment from the US Air Force is divided into two phases: first, the project will focus on determining the fundamental properties of the materials and analyzing their characteristics. Then, it will scale up production and test the parts on an industrial scale.
The company has already initiated the verification work for the first phase. This phase will compare parts made from CF3D continuous fibers with those made using traditional manufacturing methods (such as carbon-carbon layers). Printing with composite materials containing “continuous” fibers can provide the final product with greater strength.
The second phase will primarily complete the practical implementation, debugging, and adjustment of the new technology. This will enable the company to improve the production process, conduct more tests, and expand the capabilities of CF3D in high-temperature applications.