Die Tool Production Methods Utilizing Additive Manufacturing Techniques
First Claim
1. A method for producing a die tool, comprising:
- forming a substantially complete face plate of the die tool utilizing an additive manufacturing process;
forming a support structure of the die tool independently from the face plate; and
coupling the face plate with the support structure to form the die tool.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for producing a die tool includes forming a substantially complete face plate of the die tool utilizing an additive manufacturing process, forming a support structure of the die tool independently from the face plate, and coupling the face plate with the support structure. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing includes a face plate and stiffening structure integrated with the face plate. The stiffening structure forms one or more hollow channels that transport fluid for heating or cooling during the composite manufacturing. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing includes a face plate and a support structure coupled with the face plate. A ratio of weight of the support structure to weight of the die tool is less than 0.33.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for producing a die tool, comprising:
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forming a substantially complete face plate of the die tool utilizing an additive manufacturing process; forming a support structure of the die tool independently from the face plate; and coupling the face plate with the support structure to form the die tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing, comprising:
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a face plate; and stiffening structure integrated with the face plate, the stiffening structure forming one or more hollow channels configured for transport of fluid for at least one of heating and cooling during the composite manufacturing.
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15. A die tool for use in composite manufacturing, comprising:
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a face plate; and a support structure coupled with the face plate, a ratio of weight of the support structure to weight of the die tool being less than 0.33. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. In a method of producing a die tool that includes a face plate and a support structure, an improvement comprising:
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independently forming (a) a substantially complete face plate of the die tool, utilizing an additive manufacturing process, and (b) a support structure of the die tool; and coupling the face plate with the support structure to form the die tool.
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18. A method of producing a polymer matrix composite product, comprising:
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forming a substantially complete face plate of a die tool utilizing an additive manufacturing process, the face plate having stiffening structure, comprising one or more hollow channels, on a backside thereof; applying raw polymer matrix composite material to a frontside of the face plate; and flowing a fluid through the one or more hollow channels to heat or cool the die tool, thereby curing the polymer matrix composite material to form the product. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A method of producing a polymer matrix composite product, comprising:
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applying raw polymer matrix composite material to a frontside of a face plate of a die tool; placing a vacuum bag atop the polymer matrix composite material; sealing a mating enclosure to the face plate, such that a seal between the face plate and the mating enclosure circumscribes a periphery of the polymer matrix composite material, to form a cavity between the face plate and the mating enclosure; and pressurizing the cavity so as to increase pressure exerted by the vacuum bag against the polymer matrix composite material and the face plate, while the polymer matrix composite material cures to form the product. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification