Researchers at the Iranian Institute of Polymers and Petrochemicals are conducting in-depth research on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced 3D printed wires to achieve stronger composite materials. The team prepared ABS based composite wires for tensile, bending, and torsional testing to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the resulting 3D printed parts.

Firstly, the research team prepared four different formulations of continuous glass fiber reinforced ABS (ABS weight of 2%, 10%, 20%, and 30%). Each composite filament is used for 3D printing test sample components, which are then evaluated through stretching, three-point bending, and interlayer shear strength testing.

The results showed that the tensile strength values of the composite material were 89, 91, 91, and 94 MPa, respectively. Therefore, the research team concluded that the minimum weight percentage of ABS (2%) should be used to achieve the maximum mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced composites.

Fiber reinforced filaments are crucial for achieving certain high-performance 3D printing applications. Recently, engineers from McGill University and Ryerson University have managed to convert wind turbine waste into sturdy reinforced PLA 3D printing materials.