A novel dual-nozzle 3D printing method for continuous fiber reinforced composite cellular structures

This work reported a novel dual-nozzle 3D printing method for continuous fiber reinforced composite cellular structures (CFRSs). The dual-nozzle modules and corresponded printing paths were proposed to realize the CFRSs by theoretically increasing two times manufacturing speed. Based on this novel dual-nozzle 3D printing method, typical rhombus filled cellular structure was prepared. The tensile and compressive tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of CFRSs formed by dual-nozzle 3D printing. The results showed that the CFRSs printed with single- and dual-nozzle approaches exhibited similar mechanical properties, and the difference was within 6.0%. Last, the proposed multi-nozzle printing technique opened the design window to fabricate complex structures such as multicellular and hybrid fiber structures with desired properties.