High-strength fiber-reinforced filament for standard FFF
This technology is a specially engineered 3D printing filament that embeds stiff, self-aligning fibers made from liquid crystal polymers inside a standard thermoplastic material. The trick is in the temperature design: the fiber material stays solid and reinforcing while the surrounding plastic flows during printing, and then the fibers lock in place as the part cools — all within a tightly controlled temperature window. The result is a printed part that is significantly stronger and stiffer than conventional 3D-printed thermoplastics, without requiring exotic equipment or post-processing. This approach targets demanding structural applications, particularly in automotive manufacturing.
What you could build
A premium FFF filament product sold to industrial 3D printing users — automotive OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, and aerospace manufacturers — who need stronger printed parts without switching printer platforms. A materials company could also license the formulation to filament manufacturers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors and aerospace suppliers (e.g., in the Hampton Roads or NoVa corridors) using additive manufacturing for structural components would be natural early adopters or licensees.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Donald G. BAIRD, Mubashir Q. ANSARI, Craig D. MANSFIELD
- Granted
- July 11, 2023
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11697730
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.