Report examines next decade of 3D printing composites

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3D printing of composites is a rapidly emerging area. New entrants, notable research developments, large funding, and acquisitions have been observed over the past few years. But questions still remain about where the market penetration will be and which of the competing processes and business models will gain the upper hand.

These topics are covered in a new report from Boston-based IDTechEx, "3D Printing Composites 2020-2030." The report, which details the types of composite 3D printing, the companies involved, and the applications that are being achieved, calculates that this industry received more than $100 million in investment in 2019.

According to the report, the current focus of market entrants is on fiber-reinforced polymer, either full continuous fibers or short fibers. There are differing methods, particularly for the printhead and the point of resin introduction. There are also many challenges, most notably what percentage of fiber can be introduced, the quality of the interface, and the type of polymer matrix that can be used. This is in addition to the usual challenges of 3D printing, namely rate, build space, cost, mechanical performance, and software.