Critical Review on Short Fiber-Reinforced Composite Materials Manufactured by Material Extrusion: From Thermal Perspective

Abstract

This review focuses on the thermal behavior of short fiber-reinforced composites manufactured using material extrusion. As a thermally driven process, material extrusion’s effectiveness relies heavily on the quality of heat transfer, which influences bonding, microstructure, dimensional stability, and deformation during and after deposition. The review summarizes findings from thermal characterization studies, thermophysical measurements, and thermal simulation techniques. It also highlights the anisotropic thermal behavior intrinsic to the layer-by-layer nature of the process, offering insight into future research directions and material development challenges.