Freeform Fabrication Using Electrically Conductive Filaments

The use of multifunctional composites such as mechanically reinforced, electrically and thermally conductive parts is of interest in a range of application areas. Especially interesting and important is where tailorability of function is achieved by strategic placement of materials with unique functionality in locations that may not be accessible by conventional manufacturing techniques. Examples include embedded conductive paths interspersed in components to act as sensing elements, as heaters, or to carry current to permit other components to be plugged in. The processing of these materials requires adhesion of filaments to each other, as well as to a substrate.