Simultaneous process of 3D printing and joining for CFRP parts with high shape flexibility

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K14621
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 18020:Manufacturing and production engineering-related
• Research Institution: Asahikawa National College of Technology (2022-2023); Tokyo Institute of Technology (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Nakagawa Yuki 旭川工業高等専門学校, システム制御情報工学科, 准教授 (50837739)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 3Dプリンティング / CFRP / レーザー / マルチマテリアル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Laser-assisted 3D printing of carbon fibre reinforced plastic parts has been developed for the production of the parts with a various shape. In 3D printing using the fused filament fabrication, bundled carbon fibers are inserted between layers of plastic during printing, and the plastic layers and fibers are bonded by laser irradiation, resulting in high strength. In addition, combined Process of 3D printing and joining with different materials was developed, in which bonding is performed while forming caulking during printing, made it possible to print multi-material components.

Free Research Field

生産加工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

輸送機器の燃費向上は温室効果ガス排出量の抑制に寄与する．輸送機器の軽量化は燃費を向上させることから，高比強度材料として炭素繊維強化プラスチック部品(CFRP)の適用が拡大している．CFRPは優れた機械的特性を持つが，炭素繊維が変形しないため，部品の形状に大きな制限がある．本研究は3Dプリンティングという高い形状自由度を持つ部品を製造できるプロセスを利用して，CFRP部品を簡単に製造することが出来る．このことにより部品形状の制限を緩和し，CFRPの適用を拡大させ，ひいては環境問題の解決に寄与できる．