Overview
This page documents the primary publication venues for research on FDM continuous fiber-reinforced composites, based on citations in the source review paper which includes 130 references.
Understanding where research is published helps researchers identify appropriate venues for their own work and stay current with field developments. This means that selecting the right journal for submission requires matching the research focus to the journal's scope. For example, process-focused work on novel mechanisms fits best in Additive Manufacturing or Scientific Reports, because these journals emphasize manufacturing innovation. In contrast, comprehensive mechanical characterization studies are specifically suited for Composites Part A/B or Composite Structures. The journals listed here represent the core venues for continuous fiber FDM research, though related work also appears in conference proceedings and domain-specific journals (e.g., aerospace, automotive).
See also: FDM Mechanisms | Fiber Types | Matrix Materials | Research Teams
Primary Journals
The following journals publish the majority of research on FDM continuous fiber composites. They are listed in approximate order of relevance to the field, based on citation frequency in the source review.
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: Manufacturing processes, applied composite science
Key Topics: Process optimization, fiber-matrix interfaces, mechanical properties
Representative Papers:
- Tian et al. (2016) — Interface and performance of 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced PLA composites
- Ueda et al. (2020) — 3D compaction printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic
Composites Part B: Engineering
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: Engineering applications of composites
Key Topics: Impact damage, mechanical characterization, structural applications
Representative Papers:
- Caminero et al. (2018) — Impact damage resistance of 3D printed continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites
- Ning et al. (2015) — Additive manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites using FDM
- Sang et al. (2019) — Development of short basalt fiber reinforced polylactide composites for 3D printing
Additive Manufacturing
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: All additive manufacturing technologies
Key Topics: Process development, novel materials, multi-material printing
Representative Papers:
- Chabaud et al. (2019) — Hygromechanical properties of 3D printed continuous carbon and glass fibre reinforced polyamide composite
- Gardner et al. (2016) — 3-D printing of multifunctional carbon nanotube yarn reinforced components
- Blok et al. (2018) — An investigation into 3D printing of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites
Composite Structures
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: Structural analysis and design of composites
Key Topics: Mechanical behavior, predictive modeling, structural applications
Representative Papers:
- Melenka et al. (2016) — Evaluation and prediction of the tensile properties of continuous fiber-reinforced 3D printed structures
- Um et al. (2022) — 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite sandwich structure
- Justo et al. (2018) — Characterization of 3D printed long fibre reinforced composites
Polymers (MDPI)
MDPI (Open Access) | Journal Homepage
Scope: Polymer science and engineering
Key Topics: FDM filaments, polymer composites, 4D printing
Representative Papers:
- Karimi et al. (2024) — Various FDM Mechanisms Used in the Fabrication of Continuous-Fiber Reinforced Composites: A Review (Source Paper)
- Lupone et al. (2022) — Experimental Characterization and Modeling of 3D Printed Continuous Carbon Fibers Composites
- Rijckaert et al. (2022) — Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Aramid/PETG 3D-Printed Composites
- Rahmatabadi et al. (2022) — Shape Memory Effects in 4D Printed Two-Layer Composite Structures
Materials (MDPI)
MDPI (Open Access) | Journal Homepage
Scope: Materials science and engineering
Key Topics: Natural fiber composites, material characterization
Representative Papers:
- Zhang et al. (2020) — Three-Dimensional Printing of Continuous Flax Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
- Kuschmitz et al. (2021) — Development and Processing of Continuous Flax and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
Polymer Testing
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: Testing and characterization of polymers
Key Topics: Mechanical testing, interlaminar properties, process parameters
Representative Papers:
- Caminero et al. (2018) — Interlaminar bonding performance of 3D printed continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites
- Alarifi (2023) — PETG/carbon fiber composites with different structures produced by 3D printing
Journal of Materials Processing Technology
Elsevier | Journal Homepage
Scope: Materials processing and manufacturing
Key Topics: Rapid prototyping, process optimization
Representative Papers:
- Li et al. (2016) — Rapid prototyping of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites by 3D printing
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Emerald | Journal Homepage
Scope: Rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing
Key Topics: FDM process development, continuous fiber printing
Representative Papers:
- Yang et al. (2017) — 3D printing for continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites: Mechanism and performance
Scientific Reports (Nature)
Nature Publishing Group (Open Access) | Journal Homepage
Scope: Multidisciplinary science
Key Topics: Novel manufacturing methods
Representative Papers:
- Matsuzaki et al. (2016) — Three-dimensional printing of continuous-fiber composites by in-nozzle impregnation
Journal of Materials Science
Springer | Journal Homepage
Scope: Materials science
Key Topics: Material characterization, 4D printing
Representative Papers:
- Rahmatabadi et al. (2023) — 4D printing of PLA-TPU blends: Effect of PLA concentration, loading mode, and programming temperature
Journal Summary by Topic
The following table maps research topics to their primary publication venues, helping authors identify appropriate journals for their work:
| Topic | Primary Venues |
|---|---|
| Process Development | Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping Journal, Scientific Reports |
| Mechanical Properties | Composites Part A, Composites Part B, Composite Structures |
| Material Characterization | Polymer Testing, Journal of Materials Science |
| Natural Fiber Composites | Materials, Composites Part B |
| Impact/Damage Properties | Composites Part B |
| 4D Printing/Shape Memory | Polymers, Journal of Materials Science |
Open Access vs Subscription
Open access journals offer broader reach and immediate availability, while subscription journals often have higher impact factors. Many subscription journals now offer hybrid open access options for individual articles.
| Access Type | Journals |
|---|---|
| Open Access | Polymers (MDPI), Materials (MDPI), Scientific Reports |
| Subscription/Hybrid | Composites Part A/B, Additive Manufacturing, Composite Structures, Polymer Testing, J. Materials Processing Technology |
Publication Trends
The continuous fiber FDM field has grown rapidly since foundational work in 2015-2016. Understanding publication trends helps researchers identify emerging areas and gaps in the literature.
Based on the source paper's 130 references:
| Publication Period | Trend |
|---|---|
| Pre-2015 | Foundational FDM and short fiber research |
| 2015-2018 | Introduction of continuous fiber FDM methods |
| 2018-2021 | Mechanical characterization, commercial systems (MarkForged) |
| 2021-2024 | Natural fibers, 4D printing, modified mechanisms |
Current growth areas include sustainability-focused research (natural fibers, recyclable matrices), 4D printing applications, and multi-material/multi-functional composites. These represent potential high-impact publication opportunities.
Submission Tips
For researchers planning to submit work in this field, the following guidance may improve publication success:
Matching Research to Journals
- Process innovation: Additive Manufacturing or Scientific Reports for novel mechanisms; Composites Part A for optimization studies
- Mechanical characterization: Composites Part A/B or Composite Structures for comprehensive studies; Polymer Testing for testing methodology
- Natural/sustainable materials: Materials (MDPI) or Composites Part B; consider sustainability-focused journals like Green Chemistry for polymer-focused work
- Rapid communication: Scientific Reports or MDPI journals offer faster turnaround times
What Reviewers Look For
- Quantitative comparisons: Include tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength data with statistical analysis
- Process parameters: Document printing temperature, speed, layer height, and fiber volume fraction
- Failure analysis: Microscopy (SEM/optical) of fracture surfaces and void content measurements
- Reproducibility: Sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate your work
Review the target journal's recent publications to understand scope and quality expectations. Many journals require declaration of AI assistance in writing—check author guidelines.