###### Abstract  
Large-format additive manufacturing is a candidate for tremendous savings in terms of time and cost while simultaneously enabling higher flexibility, quality, and variability. Most of the design constraints of small-scale polymer 3D printers still apply to large-format additive manufacturing. The paper details both the strengths and deformation-related design considerations for additive manufacturing to gain a better understanding of the material capabilities and limitations, mechanical characteristics, and how to use them for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). The results show that the tested materials for additive manufacturing meet the requirements from the stress and deformation points of view. Compared to the steel and composite material, the strength limits are lower, but high enough for the given load. The materials HI TEMP, HI TEMP CF, PA12 CF, PA6/66, and PLA seem to be the most promising for LFAM to create a firefighting water tank. The results may be considered as an introduction to further research that should lead to real solutions for the production of atypical tanks. f +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
2024 14 5148 112  
with a relatively higher price. Currently, great emphasis is placed on the development of materials that are used in almost every branch of industry. Materials such as steel, aluminum, or magnesium are limited, and new materials must be developed in the effort to achieve higher mechanical properties. The latest trends include composite materials that are sufficiently light and have good mechanical properties. However, the possibility of using these materials for additive manufacturing has been acknowledged; specifically, large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM)--a technology based on material extrusion [5]. In [6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22], the authors also discuss the recent applications of fiber reinforced 3D printed polymers, high-temperature polymers, and the FDM 3D printing of thermoplastic elastomeric materials with different structural applications. References [21; 22] summarized the current status of the high-temperature printing of thermoplastic polymers in light of identifying the key factors for the use of these materials for various industries. The loading method, component shape, and technology of its production place a number of requirements on the material. These are often contradictory and unfulfillable with the properties of a homogeneous material. The choice of a material then means a compromise based on a primary property and the lack of other properties that is solved by, for example, allowing a lower lifetime of the component, increasing the cross-section, switching to another technology, etc. Sometimes, it is necessary to change the design of the component or even the entire solution concept. Combined materials represent a qualitative change in the solution of the contradiction between the required properties and the possibilities of homogeneous materials [23]. The reduction in the component weight, together with the maintaining strength properties, are the main reasons for the use of new materials (glass, carbon fiber, materials for additive manufacturing, etc.) in the solution of superstructures (tanks) for basic machines used for extinguishing fires. Moreover, one of the important parameters is the reduction in production costs; however, the economic side of production is not included in the research. The materials for large-format additive manufacturing such as composite materials have the advantage in that they can be produced in practically any shape. Additive manufacturing (AM) has expanded significantly in recent years, which makes it possible to produce parts of various shapes and sizes with the required surface quality [5]. It should be noted here that when it comes to high-volume printing, there are currently still limitations related to the print volume and low print speed of commercial 3D printers. Most extrusion-based 3D printers have a production speed of 20 cm\({}^{3}\)/h [24].