Reinforce 3D, the Spanish developers of Continuous Fiber Injection Process (CFIP) Technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with Spring Srl, Italian additive manufacturing company, to accelerate the adoption and development of CFIP technology in high-performance materials and manufacturing processes.
By combining Reinforce 3D’s CFIP technology with Spring Srl’s expertise in additive manufacturing, this partnership will enable the creation of reinforced structural components with superior mechanical strength, enhanced durability, and optimized weight-to-performance ratios. This collaboration marks a notable advancement for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial engineering, contributing to the ongoing development of composite material performance.
“Spring Srl has long been a pioneer in additive manufacturing,” said Fabio Gualdo, General Manager of Spring Srl. “By integrating Reinforce 3D’s CFIP technology, we are expanding our capabilities in composite reinforcement and offering next-generation solutions for demanding engineering applications.”
Partnership between Reinforce 3D and Spring Srl. Image via: Reinforce 3D.
Reinforce 3D’s Continuous Fiber Injection Process (CFIP) Technology
Reinforce 3D was initially launched in 2020 as a project within the Eurecat technology center in Catalonia, Spain. In 2022, the initiative secured investment from BeAble Innvierte Kets Fund (BIKF), Eurecat, and Marc Crescenti, leading to the formal establishment of the company.
In 2023, Reinforce 3D introduced its “Delta” machine, built on the company’s patented CFIP technology. CFIP is a post-processing method designed to enhance the strength and reduce the weight of 3D printed parts. The process injects continuous fibers, such as carbon fibers, along with resin into tubular cavities within the printed part. Once cured, the resin bonds the fibers to the material, improving the mechanical properties and performance of the component.
This method allows fibers to be positioned in multiple directions, including between layers, maximizing the part’s strength. CFIP is versatile across industries, as it can reinforce components made from a variety of additive manufacturing materials, including plastics, metals, and ceramics.
Advancing CFIP Technology Together
Through this partnership, Reinforce 3D and Spring Srl will collaborate to refine CFIP technology for large-scale production, ensuring its seamless integration with existing production techniques. The collaboration will focus on co-developing composite manufacturing techniques, with an emphasis on scalability, automation, and performance optimization.
The partnership will also work on improving reinforcement methodologies, expanding material compatibility, and setting new performance benchmarks for composites. Extensive FEM/FEA simulations, mechanical validation, and production runs will be conducted to ensure the highest quality standards for the components produced.
Post-Processing Solutions in the Industry
Reinforce 3D and Spring Srl are not alone in advancing post-processing technologies within the 3D printing sector. Recently, Italian 3D printing company CRP Technology has introduced post-processing solutions combining Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Vapor Smoothing, and CNC machining. This innovation enhances the quality and performance of CRP’s proprietary Windform composite materials, addressing the high-performance demands of industries such as motorsport, aerospace, and automotive.
Elsewhere, German post-processing solutions provider DyeMansion gained attention with its Powerfuse S vapor smoothing technology, which is being adopted by service bureaus like Forecast 3D, FKM, Hasenauer & Hesser, and RapidCenter. Powerfuse S offers eco-friendly capabilities by replacing PFAS-based solvents with sustainable alternatives, reducing emissions, safety infrastructure needs, and regulatory burdens, while ensuring consistent quality for complex geometries.
Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.
You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.
Featured image shows Reinforce 3D’s CFIP technology. Image via: Reinforce 3D.
