Creating objects out of polymers using additive manufacturing techniques is perfect for a prototype, but not for structural materials that require strength or stiffness. A new trend is to use polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers, much like rebar in a cement sidewalk. The question is, what pattern of carbon fibers results in the stiffest material.
Click here for original story, Researchers validate optimum composites structure created with additive manufacturing
Source: ScienceDaily