Article: Design modelling and digital visualisation application of carbon fibre composite materials under 3D printing manufacturing process Journal: International Journal of Materials and Product Technology (IJMPT) 2026 Vol.70 No.5 pp.3 - 22 Abstract: Traditional carbon fibre composite manufacturing processes, such as hand lay-up and moulding, often encounter challenges including complex geometry, low manufacturing precision, and a disconnect between design and manufacturing. Especially when dealing with complex structural designs, it is challenging to precisely control the fibre arrangement and internal structure, resulting in low production efficiency and difficulty in meeting high-performance requirements. This paper applies a 3D printing manufacturing process to provide a more efficient and precise design and manufacturing solution. The design and modelling of carbon fibre composite materials are carried out through computer-aided design (CAD) software, considering factors such as fibre arrangement, stacking order, geometry, and material thickness. The material properties are adjusted according to the requirements, and the model is converted into the STL (stereolithography) format required for 3D printing. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Design modelling and digital visualisation application of carbon fibre composite materials under 3D printing manufacturing process

Authors: Xia Rong; Lijuan Dai

Addresses: College of Art, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215011, Jiangsu, China ' School of Fashion and Art Design, Minnan University of Science and Technology, Quanzhou 362713, Fujian, China

Abstract: Traditional carbon fibre composite manufacturing processes, such as hand lay-up and moulding, often encounter challenges including complex geometry, low manufacturing precision, and a disconnect between design and manufacturing. Especially when dealing with complex structural designs, it is challenging to precisely control the fibre arrangement and internal structure, resulting in low production efficiency and difficulty in meeting high-performance requirements. This paper applies a 3D printing manufacturing process to provide a more efficient and precise design and manufacturing solution. The design and modelling of carbon fibre composite materials are carried out through computer-aided design (CAD) software, considering factors such as fibre arrangement, stacking order, geometry, and material thickness. The material properties are adjusted according to the requirements, and the model is converted into the STL (stereolithography) format required for 3D printing.

Keywords: 3D printing technology; carbon fibre composites; computer-aided design; CAD; finite element analysis; FEA; robot printing technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2026.153441

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2026 Vol.70 No.5, pp.3 - 22

Received: 27 Mar 2025
Accepted: 09 Sep 2025
Published online: 08 May 2026 *

Title: Design modelling and digital visualisation application of carbon fibre composite materials under 3D printing manufacturing process

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