Le projet REACT 3D

The video presents the REACT 3D project, a collaborative effort between three companies in Brittany, France, aimed at using large-format 3D printing to produce composite molds, replacing traditional methods that are costly, time-consuming, and wasteful. The project partners include SMM Composite, which manufactures large composite parts for boats, and Elixance, which specializes in polymer formulation. The presentation covers the initial context, the advantages of 3D printing for mold production, and the challenges related to material selection, thermal expansion, and recycling. The core of the presentation focuses on recycling studies: they investigated the impact of recycling on material properties, such as melt flow index (MFI) and fiber length, finding significant degradation after the first recycling cycle. They also tested printing with recycled material, adjusting temperatures to achieve dimensional conformity. Mechanical testing showed a reduction in modulus and strength, particularly in the Z direction. The project explores various recycling strategies, including 100% recycled material for lower-grade applications, adding virgin fibers or additives to restore properties, and partial incorporation of recycled content. Future work includes testing with actual draped parts and optimizing recycling rates.