Rapid manufacturing of tailored preforms
US11325281B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for rapid manufacturing of three dimensional discontinuous fiber preforms is provided. The method includes the deposition of a polymeric material containing fibers on a surface to form a tailored charge for compression molding. The reinforced polymeric material may be a thermoplastic or a reactive polymer with viscosity low enough to allow flow through an orifice during deposition, yet high enough zero shear viscosity to retain the approximate shape of the deposited charge. The material can be deposited in a predetermined pattern to induce the desired mechanical properties through alignment of the fibers. This deposition can be performed in a single layer or in multiple layers. The alignment is achieved passively by shear alignment of the fibers or actively through fiber orientation control or mixing. The fibers can be of the desired material, length, and morphology, including short and long filaments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.