Variable-Twist Fiber Filament for Stronger 3D-Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filaments for 3D printing with twisted fiber bundles suffer from reduced tensile strength and bending rigidity due to uniform twisting, leading to uneven fiber distribution and reduced strength in manufactured objects.
Innovation Solution
A filament design with distinct groups of fiber bundles, where the first group is aligned parallel to the axial direction with a smaller twisting angle and the second group has a larger twisting angle, enhancing tensile strength and bending rigidity while maintaining flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If twisting is applied to the entire fiber bundle, then flexibility is improved, but tensile strength and bending rigidity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is divided into multiple groups (first group and second group) with different twisting angles. The first group has a smaller twisting angle to maintain tensile strength, while the second group has a larger twisting angle to provide flexibility. This segmentation allows each group to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fiber bundle are assigned different twisting characteristics. The first group of fiber bundles has a smaller twisting angle located in a specific region, while the second group has a larger twisting angle in another region. This local differentiation optimizes both strength and flexibility properties in their respective locations.
2Ease of operation
If twisting is applied to the entire fiber bundle, then flexibility is improved, but bending rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented into multiple groups with different twisting angles. The first group maintains bending rigidity with a smaller twisting angle, while the second group provides flexibility with a larger twisting angle. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and bending rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fiber bundle are assigned different twisting characteristics to optimize local properties. The first group with smaller twisting angle maintains bending rigidity in its region, while the second group with larger twisting angle provides flexibility in its region, achieving overall balance.
3Ease of operation
If the entire fiber bundle is twisted, then flexibility is improved, but fiber distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is divided into multiple groups that are twisted at different angles. This segmentation allows each group to contribute differently to the overall structure, with the first group providing structural integrity and the second group providing flexibility. The differentiated twisting angles help maintain uniform fiber distribution during the manufacturing process.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform twisting is applied, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but strength properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is segmented into multiple groups with different twisting angles, which can be implemented through a multi-step manufacturing process. While this increases manufacturing complexity slightly, it significantly improves the strength properties of the final product by allowing different regions to serve different functional purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves high tensile strength, bending rigidity, and improved manufacturing accuracy by ensuring uniform fiber distribution and reduced gaps between filaments, resulting in stronger and more consistent printed objects.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic resin of the filament 5 is melted from a head unit having a heating mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a filament having good flexibility, high tensile strength, and high bending rigidity, and a manufactured object manufacturing method which can manufacture a manufactured object having excellent strength properties by using the filament. In the filament used as a manufacturing raw material for a 3D printer, a fiber bundle including a continuous reinforcing fiber is impregnated with a matrix resin, the fiber bundle includes a first group of fiber bundles and a second group of fiber bundles, and a twisting angle of the first group of fiber bundles is smaller than a twisting angle of the second group of fiber bundles.