Processses & Materials

Continuous Fiber 3D Printing (CF3D)

CF3D^® technology combines additive manufacturing, robotics, and advanced composite materials to address the critical demands of the aerospace and defense industries.

What is CF3D?

CF3D is an advanced manufacturing technology that integrates continuous fiber reinforcement, robotics, and UV-curable thermoset resins. This innovative process offers unmatched strength-to-weight ratios, tailored to the rigorous demands of industries like aerospace and defense.

Key Benefits:

Lighter, Stronger Parts: Optimized for weight-critical designs.
Superior Durability: Embedded fibers resist wear and stress in tough environments.
Extended Lifespan: Reliable performance in demanding conditions.

JOIN US MARCH 12TH

Open House

Join ADDMAN and Continuous Composites (CCI) for an exclusive open house at our Fort Myers facility! Be among the first to witness Continuous Fiber 3D Printing in action—a groundbreaking technology redefining composite manufacturing.

ADDMAN Headquarters, Fort Myers, FL
March 12, 2025
10:00 am – 1:30 pm

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The Process

How the Technology Works

CF3D integrates automation, precision robotics, and advanced material science to produce optimized composite parts for aerospace and defense.

Design Control: Using a standard CAD model, CF3D Studio™ defines fiber orientations to tailor mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.
Automated Precision: A robotic system aligns fibers along load paths, depositing and snap-curing proprietary resins in real-time.
High-Performance Results: The process creates near-net shape, fiber-steered composites with superior strength-to-weight ratios, minimal waste, and compliance with aerospace standards.

CF3D eliminates tooling, accelerates production, and enables multifunctional components, such as those with embedded wiring or fiber optics.

Materials

Each of these materials brings unique strengths, allowing them to be tailored to specific industry needs and performance requirements.

Carbon-Fiber: Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, carbon fiber is often used in applications requiring lightweight yet durable components. It provides excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment.
Carbon-Carbon (C/C): This material is carbon fiber reinforced with a carbon matrix, offering exceptional heat resistance and strength even at extreme temperatures, typically above 2,000°C. Carbon-Carbon is commonly used in high-temperature environments such as aerospace, defense, and thermal shielding applications.
Fiberglass: A composite material made from fine glass fibers, fiberglass is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties. It’s commonly used in a variety of applications, including automotive, marine, construction, and consumer goods, where weight savings and cost-effectiveness are essential.

CERAMAT Caron-Carbon Data Sheet PolyMat-High-Tg Data Sheet

Customer Benefits

Lightweight Solutions with High Strength

Our composite parts combine the best of both worlds: lightweight construction with high strength, making them ideal for applications where reducing weight is crucial without sacrificing durability.

Customizable Strength and Durability

With control over fiber orientation, we tailor each part to meet specific strength and durability needs. This customization leads to parts optimized for individual applications, enhancing both performance and longevity.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Metal

Composite printing provides a cost-effective solution where weight reduction and strength are required but full metal parts aren’t necessary. Customers benefit from similar structural integrity at a fraction of the cost.

Applications

CF3D^® composite printing addresses critical challenges across high-performance sectors:

Aerospace: Enables low CTE structures for precision components like satellites, resisting warping under extreme temperature changes and reducing material and production costs.
Defense: Supports rapid, cost-effective production of lightweight structures, such as optimized wings for unmanned aircraft, reducing costs, tooling needs, and design cycles.
Energy: Produces lightweight, efficient replacement parts for power generation with shorter lead times, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.

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The only limitation is our own imagination for what we can jointly develop. And it all begins with your story.

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