Investigation of manufacturing defects in 3D-printed CFRP using laser ultrasonic testing and x-ray micro-computed tomography. (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cho, Sang-Yeon; Lee, Jung-Ryul
• Is Part Of: Functional composites and structures. Volume 3:Number 2(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: 3D printed CFRP -- manufacturing defects -- laser ultrasonic testing -- x-ray micro-computed tomography; Composite materials -- Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1088/2631-6331/ac034d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-6331

Abstract

Abstract: 3D-printed carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites have attracted significant attention due to their design flexibility and low manufacturing cost. However, 3D-printed CFRP contains inherent defects that occur during the manufacturing process. As the manufacturing defects are likely to degrade the mechanical performance of the 3D-printed CFRP, these defects require extensive investigation. Typically, x-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is used to detect manufacturing defects, but as micro-CT cannot be applied to large structures, the laser ultrasonic testing (LUT) method has been proposed. In this study, two specimens with different stacking sequences were manufactured using a continuous fiber 3D printer. The two specimens were then inspected using LUT and micro-CT. The manufacturing defects were successfully visualized using LUT, and similar defects were detected in the micro-CT inspection results. The size, location, and shape of the detected defects were evaluated by comparing the LUT and micro-CT inspection results. Consequently, the LUT method showed a performance comparable to that of micro-CT for detecting the manufacturing defects of 3D-printed CFRP. Since the LUT is capable of inspecting large scale 3D-printed composites, it will be absolutely advantageous in real world applications.