Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency

Additive manufacturing (AM) of fibre-reinforced composites offers design freedom but necessitates a trade-off between mechanical performance and production speed. This study introduces a data-driven framework that integrates machine learning (ML) and genetic algorithms (GA) to optimise interlaminar...

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Main Authors: José Humberto S. Almeida, Jr., Guilherme Ferreira Gomes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Materials & Design
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525007452
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author José Humberto S. Almeida, Jr.
Guilherme Ferreira Gomes
author_facet José Humberto S. Almeida, Jr.
Guilherme Ferreira Gomes
author_sort José Humberto S. Almeida, Jr.
collection DOAJ
description Additive manufacturing (AM) of fibre-reinforced composites offers design freedom but necessitates a trade-off between mechanical performance and production speed. This study introduces a data-driven framework that integrates machine learning (ML) and genetic algorithms (GA) to optimise interlaminar strength and minimise printing time simultaneously. Among the seven ML models evaluated, artificial neural networks (ANNs) achieved the highest predictive accuracy (9.2% for strength, 14.7% for time). Pareto-optimal solutions were identified, with the best configuration reaching 27.6 MPa SBS in 75.9 minutes. Experimental validation confirmed the predicted failure modes, including interlaminar shear and delamination. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) scans revealed distinct internal microstructures: the strength-optimised configuration exhibited a well-consolidated morphology, while the speed-optimised sample showed increased void content. These results demonstrate that the proposed optimisation framework not only enhances AM efficiency and mechanical performance, but also enables more predictable failure behaviour, enabled by informed microstructural control.
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spelling doaj-art-ea8161a437254edaa79a6283c0d0de2d2025-08-20T03:28:40ZengElsevierMaterials & Design0264-12752025-08-0125611432510.1016/j.matdes.2025.114325Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiencyJosé Humberto S. Almeida, Jr.0Guilherme Ferreira Gomes1Department of Mechanical Engineering, LUT University, Lappeenranta, Finland; Corresponding author.Mechanical Engineering Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá, BrazilAdditive manufacturing (AM) of fibre-reinforced composites offers design freedom but necessitates a trade-off between mechanical performance and production speed. This study introduces a data-driven framework that integrates machine learning (ML) and genetic algorithms (GA) to optimise interlaminar strength and minimise printing time simultaneously. Among the seven ML models evaluated, artificial neural networks (ANNs) achieved the highest predictive accuracy (9.2% for strength, 14.7% for time). Pareto-optimal solutions were identified, with the best configuration reaching 27.6 MPa SBS in 75.9 minutes. Experimental validation confirmed the predicted failure modes, including interlaminar shear and delamination. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) scans revealed distinct internal microstructures: the strength-optimised configuration exhibited a well-consolidated morphology, while the speed-optimised sample showed increased void content. These results demonstrate that the proposed optimisation framework not only enhances AM efficiency and mechanical performance, but also enables more predictable failure behaviour, enabled by informed microstructural control.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525007452Artificial intelligenceMachine learning3D printed compositesMulti-objective optimisationInterlaminar properties
spellingShingle José Humberto S. Almeida, Jr.
Guilherme Ferreira Gomes
Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
Materials & Design
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
3D printed composites
Multi-objective optimisation
Interlaminar properties
title Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
title_full Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
title_fullStr Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
title_full_unstemmed Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
title_short Optimising 3D-printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning: Balancing strength and efficiency
title_sort optimising 3d printed carbon fibre composites using machine learning balancing strength and efficiency
topic Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
3D printed composites
Multi-objective optimisation
Interlaminar properties
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525007452
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