Z-pinning 3D printing technology produces mechanically uniform properties in any direction

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)and University of Tennessee have demonstrated a new 3D printing approach called Z-pinning, which they report can increase the material’s strength and toughness by more than 3.5 times compared to conventional additive manufacturing processes.

The technique is used to insert reinforcing fibers along the Z-direction of continuous fiber-reinforced plastics. It allows continuous material to be deposited across multiple layers within the volume of the part.

The researchers demonstrated Z-pinning with polylactic acid, or PLA, and carbon fiber-reinforced PLA in a 3D printer designed for thermoplastic materials. They printed a small wall, demonstrating that Z-pinning produces mechanically uniform properties when measured in any direction.