Advancing Additive Manufacturing: Exploring Steel-Reinforced Plastics for High-Performance Applications

Aneesh Kaliyanda

Abstract: This paper explores the emerging field of steel-reinforced plastic components in additive manufacturing, focusing on their potential to create high-strength, lightweight structures for various industrial applications. While polymers have traditionally dominated 3D printing, integrating steel reinforcements presents a promising avenue for enhancing mechanical performance. Drawing parallels with the extensively studied field of steel-reinforced ceramics, this review highlights the unique challenges and opportunities associated with combining steel and plastic matrices, such as material compatibility, process adaptation, and precision in design. The paper synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies key research gaps, and suggests future directions to advance the development of steel-reinforced plastics, positioning this technology as a crucial enabler of innovative manufacturing solutions.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, Steel-reinforced plastics, Steel reinforcements