Abstract

In this study, the interlaminar fracture toughness of 3D printed continuous carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide was characterized under Mode I and II loadings. 3D printing of fracture test samples presents difficulties, mainly shrinkage and excessive warping. To minimize these effects, two solutions were developed. The results show that the Mode I interlaminar fracture behaviour of the printed samples is similar to that obtained by hot compression moulding. In mode II, however, propagation is not effective due to the type of microstructure of the 3D printed material. The hot pressing of the printed material reduces the fracture toughness under Mode I, but significantly improves the fracture toughness under Mode II. The causes of these behaviours are discussed in the paper.