Hey. Is it possible to print, say a guitar, in one piece composite carbon fiber with a 3D printer? Can you do it here? Or is there a similar material that can be used to print something with the same flex/nature as wood? Carbon fiber is said to has the same flex as wood yet is able to keep a guitar in tune better... Thanks.
In a single word... yes. There's a UK company Graphite, and a start up company in the pre-order phase Mark One. There probably a few more out there too, try google with carbon fibre 3D printer. Paul. [hr]stop4stuff Modeller for hireShapeways Shop - Controller PendantTwitterYouTube[hr]
Check this one out. This is hand laid carbon fiber. Got to believe continuous fiber is stronger than carbon filled plastic. http://www.chrysalisguitar.com/the-dream.html
As GlenG says, the strength of Carbon Fibre is in the fibre - otherwise it's about how strong is the 'glue'. By choosing the fibre material and the direction of the fibres one can put strength where it is required, and not (and hence less weight) where it is not required. So called 3d sails have been produced for over a decade now, with fibre laid by machine and sandwiched between film laminates.