Invention Reference Number
Additive manufacturing followed by compression molding (AM-CM) is a hybrid manufacturing process that combines the benefits of AM and CM to produce high-performance functional composite structures for automotive production. But the process is limited due to the size of the press platen for compression molding, 4-foot by 4-foot. Also, the size limitation also comes from the printing speed as the printed material can cool down before compression in larger prints. This technology provides continuous additive compression not limited by length.
Description
This technology creates a continuous AM-CM process, where the parts are manufactured unit-by-unit and joined together to create infinite structure in one direction (X-direction). The other two directions, Y and Z, are limited due to the press’s walls. In this Continuous AM-CM process, 3D printing is done directly on the mold, followed by completion of the compression cycle and then sliding the molded part. Then, both units are joined when the next compression cycle is complete. By repeating this process, a continuous structure longer than the press platen can be manufactured. A specially designed mold will be required to complete this process. Metal inserts or other features can also be added to the mold for additional functionalities. Length is no longer limited by the size of the platen.
Benefits
- Unbounded AM-CM technology
- Continuous part fabrication with very short time
- Parts larger than the press size are possible
Applications and Industries
- Additive manufacturing
- 3D printing
- Automotive manufacturing
- Wind turbine manufacturing
Related Inventions
Rapid Manufacturing of Tailored Preforms
Large-Scale Continuous Fiber Additive Manufactured-Compression Molded Composite
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
