3D printing composites
Additive manufacturing pioneers Stratasys has developed a composite 3D printer. It has developed the capability with Siemens that combines 3D printing know-how with motion control expertise. The result is the ability to 3D print large composite parts.
The Robotic Composite 3D demonstrator uses an 8-axis motion system that enables precise, directional material placement for strength while also reducing dramatically the need for speed-hindering support strategies.
The company says it redefines how future lightweight parts will be built, and provides a glimpse into how this technology could be used to accelerate the production of parts made from a wide variety of materials.
In addition to widespread use in transportation industries like Automotive and Aerospace, industries such as Oil & Gas and Medical use composite materials to make strong yet lightweight structures. Unfortunately, composites production is constrained by labour-intensive processes and geometric limitations.
Ilan Levin, chief executive of Stratasys, said: "Stratasys is building on our success in manufacturing with applications such as manufacturing aids, injection moulds and composite tooling, and leveraging our relationships with innovative industry leaders to further extend the applicability of additive manufacturing in demanding production environments."
Justin Cunningham
http://www.siemens.co.uk
http://www.stratasys.com