JanTec Engineering has been experimenting with using a 3D printer’s hot-end to inject molten plastic into the infill of a part during the printing process in order to make it stronger.
This uses the idea of z-pinning, where hollow vertical channels are created that are then filled with molten plastic, and VoxelFill, which creates non-uniform cavities for better strength.
While the idea is interesting, there are significant challenges, including the cooling of the molten plastic meaning it cannot fill deep holes in one go, and the risk of print deformation through the injection of heated infill.
JanTec also found that while impact resistance was improved, stiffness was only slightly improved.
However, the experimenter is now wondering if this method could work with other materials, such as carbon-fibre filled filament, or concrete.
