Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufacturing Printed Samples Through Continuous Fiber Reinforcement: A Review

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has gained significant attention due to its advantages such as design flexibility, rapid prototyping, and low‐cost production. However, the mechanical properties of printed samples often fall short of those of traditional manufacturing methods. Continuous fiber reinforcement is an effective approach to improve the mechanical performance of printed samples. This paper reviews the current state of continuous fiber‐reinforced AM technology, including the types of continuous fibers, matrix materials, and printing processes. It analyzes the key factors influencing the mechanical properties of printed samples, such as fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, and interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix. Furthermore, it discusses the optimization strategies for fiber‐reinforced printed samples and highlights the theoretical gaps in this field. Finally, the paper proposes future research directions, aiming to provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers in related fields. Typical tensile strength improvements reach 5–10 times that of neat polymers (e.g., 500–1000 MPa for carbon fiber‐reinforced vs. 50 MPa for PLA) under aligned layups, with achievable fiber volume fractions (Vf) in FDM‐based processes ranging from 20% to 50%.