Method and apparatus for continuous composite three-dimensional printing
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
- a supply of curable liquid material;
a supply of continuous strand material;
an extruder configured to discharge the continuous strand material at least partially coated in the curable liquid material;
a means for curing the curable liquid material after discharge from the nozzle;
an automated mechanical apparatus connected to the nozzle; and
at least one processing unit programmed to control the automated mechanical apparatus to move the nozzle so as to cause the continuous strand material to be pulled from the nozzle.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.
57 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
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a supply of curable liquid material; a supply of continuous strand material; an extruder configured to discharge the continuous strand material at least partially coated in the curable liquid material; a means for curing the curable liquid material after discharge from the nozzle;
an automated mechanical apparatus connected to the nozzle; andat least one processing unit programmed to control the automated mechanical apparatus to move the nozzle so as to cause the continuous strand material to be pulled from the nozzle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object, comprising:
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a supply of curable liquid material; a supply of continuous strand material; a nozzle configured to discharge the curable liquid material and the continuous strand material; a means for curing the curable liquid material after discharge from the nozzle; an automated mechanical apparatus connected to move the nozzle; at least one processing unit programmed to cause the automated mechanical apparatus to move the nozzle during discharge of the curable liquid material and the continuous strand material and to control the means for curing so as to cause a path of cured curable liquid material and the continuous strand material to extend away from an anchor into three-dimensional space while generating tension in the continuous strand material. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification