Bachelor Assignment

3D-printing is often considered a hype rather than a useful manufacturing method. However, technological advances have made it possible to reinforce 3D print with fibers such as carbon and aramid, dramatically increasing the strength of the printed parts. The assignment aimed to evaluate the possibility of creating functional body armor using fiber reinforced 3D printing, drawing inspiration from nature for the design. While 3D-printing can overcome many problems associated with traditional armor production, the technology was found not yet to be up to the standards of real ballistic products. A prototype ballistic helmet was created to demonstrate the advantages of using 3D-printing as a production process, such as the flexibility of the process and the capability of making custom, tailored products. However, further technological development is necessary create a functional ballistic product.