ABSTRACT
Composite materials have revolutionized various industries due to their exceptional strength, lightweight nature, and customizable properties. Advanced fabrication techniques have been developed to improve their performance and broaden their applications. Hand lay-up and resin infusion are two popular traditional composite fabrication methods. It then progresses to advanced techniques such as automated fibre placement, tape laying, and resin transfer moulding, which provide greater control, precision, and efficiency in the production of complex composite structures. Robotics, automation, and specialized tooling are used in these methods to improve fibre alignment, resin distribution, and overall manufacturing quality.
Furthermore, there is an emerging trend in composite fabrication of additive manufacturing or 3D printing. This method allows for the creation of intricate composite structures with less waste and more design freedom. It has the potential to simplify manufacturing processes, enable rapid prototyping, and enable on-demand manufacturing.
Nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles and nanofibres, are used to improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of composites. These developments allow for the creation of composites with superior strength, durability, and functionality.
Finally, the future directions of advanced composite fabrication techniques are self-healing mechanisms, biomimicry-inspired approaches, and the incorporation of smart materials and sensor networks. These advancements aim to improve composites' resilience, adaptability, and sustainability, opening new opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, and healthcare.
To summarize, advanced fabrication techniques are driving the evolution of composite materials, allowing for their widespread adoption and pushing the limits of their applications. Manufacturers can produce composites with superior performance and tailor-made properties by leveraging automation, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and novel design approaches.
