Enhancing the Performance of FFF-Printed Parts: A Systematic Review of Reinforcement and Modification Strategies for Thermoplastic Polymers

The technology of 3D printing has become one of the most effective methods of creating various parts, such as those used for fast prototyping. The most important aspect of 3D printing is the selection and application of the appropriate material, also known as filament. The current review concerns mainly the description of the mechanical and physical properties of the different filaments and the possibilities of improving those properties. The review begins with a short description of the development of 3D printing technology. Next, the basic characteristics of thermoplastics used in the fused filament fabrication (FFF) are discussed, namely: polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). According to modern con-cepts, the printed parts can be reinforced with the use of different kinds of fibers, namely: synthetic fibers (carbon, glass, aramid) or natural fibers (wood, flax, hemp, jute). Thus, the impact of such a reinforcement on the performance of FFF composites is also presented.