Systems and methods for additively manufacturing composite parts
US10457033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/08
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for additively manufacturing composite parts are disclosed. Systems comprise at least a feedstock source and a feed mechanism. The feedstock source comprises a plurality of pre-consolidated tows, with each pre-consolidated tow comprising a fiber tow within a non-liquid binding matrix. In some systems, a tow combiner receives at least a subset of the plurality of pre-consolidated tows from the feedstock source and combines the subset of the plurality of pre-consolidated tows to define a macro tow. The feed mechanism moves the subset of the plurality of pre-consolidated tows from the feedstock source and into the tow combiner and moves the macro tow from the tow combiner. Methods according to the present disclosure comprise combining a plurality of pre-consolidated tows to define a macro tow, and dispensing the macro tow in three dimensions to define a composite part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.