For most manufacturers, the question isn't which 3D printer to buy.  It's whether printed composite tooling belongs in their operation at all.

The answer comes down to results.  Here's what four very different projects have shown.

From concept design, to printed tool set, to finished part: a two-sided drone layup tool printed on LSAM.

1. Printed vs. Traditional, Head to Head

Aria Composite Technologies and Purdue University

To compare the two approaches directly, Thermwood, Aria Composite Technologies and Purdue University's Composite Manufacturing and Simulation Center (CMSC) built a two-sided autoclave layup tool for a blended wing drone body two ways: by the traditional method, and printed on an LSAM in 20% carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate.  The LSAM tool outperformed the traditional method in cost, speed and overall performance.

• Tool cost: $8,500 traditional vs. $5,539.50 printed
• Time to tool: 10–12 days traditional vs. 3 days printed
• 34.8% total cost reduction, including 39.2% lower labor cost
• 75% faster tool creation

"Tools were easier to work with, excellent performance with no signs of wear after 6 complete cycles on each half."

Kevin Cain, Chief Technology Officer, Aria Group

See the full drone tool comparison

2. Save at Production Scale

General Atomics

General Atomics needed a large CNC trim tool.  Printed on an LSAM in ABS with 20% carbon fiber and then machined to final shape, the 1,190 lb tool came in at about $50,000 less than traditional methods.

• Lead time cut from 6–8 weeks to under 2
• 2–3x cost reduction
• 3–4x faster development
• A production-capable tool with vacuum integrity, no coatings needed

See the full General Atomics story

3. Bring Tooling In-House

D-J Engineering

Aerospace manufacturer D-J Engineering of Augusta, Kansas stopped waiting on outside tool shops.  With its own LSAM, D-J now produces stretch form blocks, mill fixtures and complex aerospace tooling in weeks instead of months.

"LSAM has completely upended what we can do."

Tyler Hieber, Engineering Manager, D-J Engineering

Watch the D-J Engineering story

4. Move Faster on New Designs

Tidal Blade Research, with Purdue, Sheffield and Oxford

When a design is still evolving, waiting months on every tool slows progress.  For a 2-meter tidal turbine blade developed by the Universities of Sheffield and Oxford, a double-sided infusion tool was printed on an LSAM in carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate, cutting tooling time from months to weeks.

• Purdue's ADDITIVE3D simulation predicted the print before the first layer went down
• Sheffield's AMRC machined in sensor slots, root mounts and resin ports
• When the design changes, the next tool can be printed again in weeks

Learn more about the tidal blade project

The Common Thread

Lower tooling costs.  Shorter lead times.  The freedom to change a design without starting over.  And tooling built under your own roof, on your own schedule.

Why LSAM

LSAM prints and trims on one system, so a tool goes from file to finished part in one place.  It's built by Thermwood, a machine tool company with 55+ years of experience, and it's already producing tooling for aerospace, defense, marine and energy manufacturers.

Evaluating large-format additive for production?

If you're considering LSAM for your operation, tell us about your application and timeline, and we'll connect you with our LSAM team.

Request LSAM Information

Transform Large-Scale Prints with Custom Internal Bracing

 

 Layer Time Control optimizes speed and temperature for perfect fusion

In today's installment on the groundbreaking capabilities of Thermwood's Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) systems, we’re spotlighting a feature that brings next level of precision and efficiency with Thermwood’s Layer Time Control technology, built directly into the LSAM control system.

 

This cutting-edge feature automatically adjusts print speed in real-time, ensuring each layer remains at an optimal temperature for flawless layer fusion. By dynamically managing heat and timing throughout the print process, our technology guarantees exceptional results while offering real-time adjustments—even as the machine is printing. Unlock the full potential of your additive manufacturing with superior Layer Time Control technology, where precision meets performance.

 

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥:
• Technology built into the LSAM control system
• Automatically controls the time spent on each layer by adjusting the print speed
• Dynamically handled at the control in real time
• Ensures that the print is staying at an optimal print temperature at all times
• Can be immediately adjusted (while the machine is printing)
• Optimal temperature range results in better layer fusion

 

 

Some Powerful Advantages:

• Wide variety of "Print-Ready" materials available - including high-temp

• One click activation to apply all parameters necessary to print

• Material configuration files can be shared with all LSAMs

• Automatic routines to load, empty, purge and clean materials from the system

• On-screen instructions guide the operator

• Total freedom to source material from any supplier

• Thermwood will assist in qualifying new materials and train you to qualify new materials yourself.

• Freedom to work directly with material suppliers to develop specialty materials for your specific application.

Thermwood has been the market and technology leader in Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) since 2016, thanks to our groundbreaking LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) systems. 

 

𝐋𝐒𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:

- Superior Print Consistency

- Dynamic Control of Print Temperature

- Large Scale Focused Slicing Software

- Confidence Through Thermwood's Legendary Training, Service and Support

Stay tuned for more insights into how our LSAM systems are revolutionizing large format additive manufacturing! 

Configure and qualify materials effortlessly for large-scale additive manufacturing.

In our latest installment on the groundbreaking capabilities of Thermwood's Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) systems, we’re spotlighting a feature that brings unmatched material flexibility and simplicity to large-scale 3D printing: Thermwood’s streamlined approach to material configuration.

 

Discover new levels of material flexibility and ease of use with Thermwood's LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) systems! With LSAM, you can access a wide range of “print-ready” materials, all with one-click activation to streamline setup.

 

Our systems come equipped with material configuration files that can be shared across all LSAM units, along with automatic routines for loading, purging, and cleaning, ensuring smooth transitions and hassle-free operation.  Plus, Thermwood gives you total freedom to work with any material supplier, develop specialty materials for unique applications, and we’ll assist you in qualifying new materials while training you to do the same independently. 

 

Some Powerful Advantages:

• Wide variety of "Print-Ready" materials available - including high-temp

• One click activation to apply all parameters necessary to print

• Material configuration files can be shared with all LSAMs

• Automatic routines to load, empty, purge and clean materials from the system

• On-screen instructions guide the operator

• Total freedom to source material from any supplier

• Thermwood will assist in qualifying new materials and train you to qualify new materials yourself.

• Freedom to work directly with material suppliers to develop specialty materials for your specific application.

Thermwood has been the market and technology leader in Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) since 2016, thanks to our groundbreaking LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) systems. 

 

𝐋𝐒𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:

- Superior Print Consistency

- Dynamic Control of Print Temperature

- Large Scale Focused Slicing Software

- Confidence Through Thermwood's Legendary Training, Service and Support

Stay tuned for more insights into how our LSAM systems are revolutionizing large format additive manufacturing! 

Explore Thermwood's Patented Bead Board Substrate

In our latest installment on the transformative power of Thermwood’s Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) systems, we're showcasing an clever innovation that’s reshaping additive manufacturing: the Patented Bead Board Substrate.

 

This unique substrate offers unparalleled strength and flexibility, providing a stable foundation for your printed parts while preventing stress and distortion—a common issue in traditional substrates. With advantages like a strong initial tack, secure holding during printing, and effortless removal with basic tools, our bead board substrate sets a new standard in reliability and reusability. Join us as we explore how LSAM technology from Thermwood continues to lead the way in advanced manufacturing solutions!

 

Some Powerful Advantages:

• Strong initial tack

• Allows the printed part to float during its initial contact

• Holds strong throughout the entire printing process

• Prevents distortion/stresses that build in other substrates

• Holds well enough for initial machining operations

• Removed easily with simple everyday tools

• Reusable and repairable

Thermwood has been the market and technology leader in Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) since 2016, thanks to our groundbreaking LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) systems. 

 

𝐋𝐒𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:

- Superior Print Consistency

- Dynamic Control of Print Temperature

- Large Scale Focused Slicing Software

- Confidence Through Thermwood's Legendary Training, Service and Support

Stay tuned for more insights into how our LSAM systems are revolutionizing large format additive manufacturing! 

 

Explore Thermwood's Patented LSAM Chilled Compression Wheel

Discover the latest in our LSAM series! Today, we’re highlighting Thermwood’s Patented Chilled Compression Wheel — engineered for precision, bead consistency, and enhanced bonding strength, delivering fused structures that surpass aerospace standards. See how Thermwood’s LSAM continues to lead in Large Format Additive Manufacturing! 

 

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:

• Finishes the bead's final shape and dimension

• Provides important active bead compaction

• The nozzle tip is slightly above the finished bead height

• Nozzle tip does not drag through the material to form the final shape

• Prevents excessive material build up on the nozzle

• Temperature controlled only to prevent polymer affinity (sticking to wheel)

• Removal of inter-bead voids

• Consistency in printed composite microstructures

• Enhances interlayer bonding

• Enhances lateral bead to bead solidity

• Layer-to-layer fusion is over 50% GREATER in strength when compared to methods that utilize a tamping device or those that have no application device at all.

• This results in fused, solid structures that hold vacuum exceeding aerospace standards, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 the need for fill compounds or sealants.

Thermwood has been the market and technology leader in Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) since 2016, thanks to our groundbreaking LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) systems. 

 

𝐋𝐒𝐀𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:

- Superior Print Consistency

- Dynamic Control of Print Temperature

- Large Scale Focused Slicing Software

- Confidence Through Thermwood's Legendary Training, Service and Support

Stay tuned for more insights into how our LSAM systems are revolutionizing large format additive manufacturing!

 

 

Explore the Game-Changing Melt Core System in Thermwood’s LSAM Technology

Thermwood has been pioneering Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) since 2016, leading the industry with our advanced LSAM systems. These machines offer more than just large-scale capabilities—they deliver an unmatched printing experience with superior print consistency, precise temperature control, and powerful slicing software.

In this series, we’ll take you through the exclusive benefits of LSAM technology, starting with our patented Melt Core System. Discover how this cutting-edge innovation redefines material processing to achieve faster, more reliable, and efficient large-scale 3D printing. Ready to explore the future of manufacturing? Dive in and see why Thermwood is the leader in LFAM! 

 

 

• High output deposition rates
• Large consistent bead sizes
• Standard Melt Core producing over 200 lbs/hr (90.72 kg/hr)
• Optional Larger Melt Core producing over 500 lbs/hr (226.8 kg/hr)
• PID heater control to tightly maintain processing temperatures
• Up to 450° C (850° F) processing temperatures
• Custom Industrial Extruder Screw
• Compression Following Wheel (temperature-controlled) 

---

Thermwood Patented Polymer Melt Pump

• Custom patented extruder screw design
• Provides a more consistent melt temperature
• Material flows from the extruder into a fixed displacement polymer melt pump system (patented)
• Melt Pump precisely delivers material to the nozzle
• Eliminates the problem of Extruder Surging
• Not necessary to change the extruder screw when switching between different materials

From Print to Precision: LSAM 1020 Crafts a High-Temp Aerospace Tool for ST Engineering MRAS

Highlights from the recent IMTS show held in Chicago!

It was a pleasure to showcase our innovative technologies, including the LSAM (Large Scale Additive Manufacturing) Additive Printer 510, which printed live, high-temperature (350°F) autoclave-capable aerospace tooling throughout the event!