Thermwood Corporation, a U.S. based manufacturer of 3- and 5-axis CNC routers, has announced a program to develop a 3-D additive manufacturing system capable of making large carbon graphite reinforced composite thermoplastic components. Thermwood's systems utilizes a near net shape approach where a relatively large extruder, mounted to the machine, is used to heat, melt and deposit, or print, carbon graphite filled thermoplastic material to create a structure that is almost, but not quite, the exact final shape. That structure, when it cools and hardens, is then 5-axis machined to the final net shape.
These new systems will be based on Thermwood's Model 77 semi-enclosed, high wall gantry machine structures that are currently offered in sizes up to 60' long. For the plastic extruder, Thermwood turned to American Kuhne, a provider of engineered solutions for plastic, rubber and silicone extrusion, who developed a custom system, which integrates both mechanically and electronically with Thermwood's CNC machine. "This allows not only the machine but also the plastic extruder to be controlled and managed by a central CNC control, insuring smooth integration and increasing both capability and flexibility," said a company spokesperson.
With the addition of a second gantry, both the additive and subtractive processes can be performed on the same machine. The second subtractive gantry will be offered as an option. Companies that already have 5-axis machining capacity and want to work with additive manufacturing may only require additive machine capability as they can use existing equipment for the subtractive part of the process.
Thermwood's systems will feature full 6-axis articulated additive deposition head, allowing it to build layered structures on both a horizontal plane as well as planes canted in any direction up to 90° from horizontal.
Thermwood's initial development machine, which is nearing completion, can make parts up to 10' x 10' x 5', is equipped with a 20 HP, 1-3/4 inch diameter, 24-1 L/D extruder and support equipment capable of processing over 100 lbs. of material per hour. "Despite the relatively heavy weight of the extrusion system and head, which are both mounted on and move with the machine, the machine generates enhanced performance with high acceleration rates and high feedrate capability," said the spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Thermwood Corporation
904 Dale-Buffaloville Road
Dale, IN 47523
800-533-6901 / 812-937-4476
info@thermwood.com
www.thermwood.com