Combining Materials to Make Composites

Composite 3D printing remains an exciting and relatively untapped area within the 3D printing world. While it has not yet been fully explored or mainstreamed, the ongoing development and increasing availability of multi-tool and multi-material printers are paving the way for truly innovative and complex composite prints. As these advanced machines become more accessible, we can expect to see groundbreaking combinations of materials that were previously impossible or impractical to combine, pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can achieve.

At its core, composite 3D printing involves using two or more distinct materials within a single print to produce parts that possess enhanced or hybrid properties, leveraging the strengths of each individual material. For example, by combining flexible TPU with rigid PLA in one object, engineers can create components that are not only strong and durable but also capable of withstanding impact and absorbing energy—so much so that such prints can even stop a bullet in certain experimental applications. This ability to tailor mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties on a layer-by-layer basis opens up exciting opportunities in fields ranging from protective gear to custom medical devices and beyond. As the technology matures, composite 3D printing is set to revolutionize how we think about material performance and design freedom.