What AM material do manufacturers increasingly use when creating parts with material extrusion to achieve excellent strength-to-weight ratios?

Manufacturers are increasingly using composites in material extrusion processes because they provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios that make them ideal for applications requiring lightweight yet strong components. Composites typically combine materials, such as polymers reinforced with fibers, to enhance their mechanical properties. This leads to parts that are not only lighter than those made from traditional metals or alloys but also maintain high durability and performance under stress or load.

The use of composites allows for precise control over the material properties, as manufacturers can tailor the reinforcement and matrix materials to achieve desired characteristics. This flexibility and the resultant high performance are key reasons why composites are becoming a favored choice in additive manufacturing settings, especially in industries like aerospace and automotive where weight reduction is critical.

In contrast, while metals and alloys also provide strength, they may not always achieve the same favorable strength-to-weight ratio as composites in the context of material extrusion. Polymers, though lighter, often do not possess the same level of strength as composites when used alone. Thus, composites are highlighted as the best option in this context.