University of Twente Student Theses
Design and Development of a Multi-Axis 3D Weaving Printer for Fiber-Reinforced Multi-Material Cylindrical Structures
Pinto, Inês (2025) Design and Development of a Multi-Axis 3D Weaving Printer for Fiber-Reinforced Multi-Material Cylindrical Structures.
|
PDF
31MB |
| Abstract: | Fiber reinforcement in additive manufacturing is a promising approach to improving mechanical properties in 3D-printed structures. However, the planar deposition process of conventional fused deposition modeling (FDM) approaches has substantial restrictions on fiber alignment and placement. To overcome these constraints and broaden applications in soft robotics and biomedical implants, this thesis introduces the creation of a multi-axis 3D weaving system for embedding continuous fibers into cylindrical structures. In order to achieve this, this study investigates hardware changes to incorporate rotating degrees of freedom into an already-existing FDM printer, allowing for automated fiber deposition in both axial and circumferential directions. Included in these adjustments are nozzle extension, print bed support optimization, and controlled fiber placement. Furthermore, a unique method for generating G-code is created to support complex fiber patterns modeled after biological structures like the annulus fibrosus and non-planar deposition techniques. The system’s performance is evaluated by analyzing fiber alignment, loom deposition quality, and the influence of key parameters—including fiber spacing, angles, and density—on the mechanical properties of the printed structures. The results demonstrate how the implemented modifications influence fiber alignment and loom deposition quality, revealing the impact of multi-axis motion on fiber placement accuracy and structural consistency. Additionally, the study explores how fiber parameters, such as spacing, angles, and density, affect the mechanical properties of the printed structures, providing insights into optimizing fiber reinforcement strategies. By proposing a scalable and automated methodology for fiber embedding in cylindrical geometries, this research contributes to advancing multi-axis additive manufacturing and its applicability in fiber-reinforced bio-inspired structures. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106017 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page