3D Printable Polypropylene-based Composite for Automotive Repair Applications

The current research was developed based on a need for a fully automated headlight housing repair system for the automotive industry. Recovering headlight assemblies to an operation condition supports environmental sustainability by preventing thousands of headlights from ending up in landfills. An automated robotic apparatus, including an articulated robot, 3D scanner, trimming tool, and a 3D printing based system, was proposed as the solution. Given that most headlight housings are made of Polypropylene, the primary emphasis of the research is directed towards addressing the challenges associated with 3D printing polypropylene by means of blending with other polymers and incorporating additives.