Discover the Versatility of LSAM 3D Printing!

Posted by Duane Marrett on Tue, May 28, 2024

Tags: Thermwood, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, LSAM Additive Printers

Thermwood LSAM


Did you know that LSAM systems can print in three orientations? Each one offers unique advantages for specific part designs, providing unmatched flexibility on the same machine. Let's dive into the benefits of each orientation:
๐Ÿ”น **๐‡๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ณ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐‹๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  (๐‡๐‹๐)**: Standard printing from the machine table for everyday needs.
๐Ÿ”น **๐•๐ž๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐‹๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  (๐•๐‹๐)**: Print parts as long as the machine table for larger projects.
๐Ÿ”น **๐€๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ž ๐‹๐š๐ฒ๐ž๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  (๐€๐‹๐)**: Print at a 45-degree angle for complex geometries and unique designs.

 

LSAM HLP - Horizontal Layer Printing Orientation

 


LSAM VLP - Vertical Layer Printing Orientation

 

 

LSAM ALP - Angle Layer Printing Orientation

 

Our ๐๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐“๐ž๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ž-๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐ ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐–๐ก๐ž๐ž๐ฅ ensures superior print quality by:
๐ŸŒŸ Finishing the beadโ€™s final shape and dimension
๐ŸŒŸ Actively compacting beads to remove voids
๐ŸŒŸ Enhancing interlayer bonding
๐ŸŒŸ Improving consistency in printed composite microstructures
๐ŸŒŸ Preventing excess material build-up on the nozzle

 

Thermwood's Patented Temperature Controlled Compression Wheel
**๐–๐ก๐ฒ ๐‚๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ž ๐‹๐’๐€๐Œ?**
๐ŸŒŸ Market & Technology Leader in LFAM since 2016
๐ŸŒŸ Real Production Systems
๐ŸŒŸ Widest Range of System Sizes & Configurations
๐ŸŒŸ Perfect for creating industrial fixtures, high-temp molds, tooling, foundry patterns, prototypes, and end products with diverse materials
๐ŸŒŸ Save Time, Money, and Materials

Upgrade to Thermwood's LSAM system and revolutionize your manufacturing process!

๐Ÿ“ฉ Contact us today at sales@thermwood.com to learn more and elevate your production process!
Learn More About LSAM: https://bit.ly/4couvcf

 

LSAM Full Line of Additive Manufacturing Systems

 

Thermwood LSAM Additive Printer 510 LIVE Printing at JEC World 2024

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Jan 04, 2024

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Trade Shows, Purdue, Live Demonstrations, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, SABIC, LSAM Additive Printers, Airtech, Techmer PM, JEC World

Thermwood LSAM

Thermwood LSAM Additive Printer 510 LIVE Printing at JEC World 2024

Thermwood will be LIVE printing an autoclave capable tool for composite layup of an airplane engine air inlet duct on an LSAM Additive Printer 510 in the LIVE Demo Area located in Hall 6 at JEC World 2024 in Paris, France on March 5th-7th. We will print a new tool each day with material from a different material supplier (Sabic LNPโ„ข THERMOCOMPโ„ข AM EC004EXAR1, Airtech Dahltram I-350CF, and Techmer PM PESU-1810).


Daily Interactive Demonstration

In addition to LIVE printing throughout the day, we will also present an interactive demonstration once per day that will allow participants to see a real-world application of creating high-temp tooling with an LSAM system. Topics covered will be the collaborative projects, ongoing research initiatives and illuminating case studies that help accelerate advancements in comprehensive knowledge and future innovation within the field.  Participants will have the unique opportunity to pose questions to our industry experts and gain valuable insights into how LSAM can elevate and optimize their production process. This live demonstration will help bridge the gap between theory and practical application and help understand the full potential of LSAM and how it can help enhance productivity and innovation. We will also have our regular booth staffed by our knowledgeable sales team that can help answer any questions you might have (Hall 6 P52).

LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software on Display

Eduardo Barocio, Assistant Director of Additive Manufacturing at Purdue University's Composite Manufacturing & Simulation Center will also be on hand to demonstrate their Additive3D software, a powerful tool that not only simulates workflow, but also predicts the printing and as-manufactured performance of parts produced through extrusion deposition additive manufacturing.  

Additive3D Software from LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University


About the LSAM Additive Printer

The LSAM Additive Printer systems are single gantry, moving table configurations and are available in two table sizes, 5โ€™x5โ€™ and 5โ€™x10โ€™. The 5โ€™x10โ€™ table is available in two configurations, 5โ€™ wide with 10โ€™ of front to back motion and 10โ€™ wide with 5โ€™ of front to back motion. Choice of configuration depends on several factors, fitting it existing factory floor space is one factor.

The specially designed, highly rigid tab and slot, structural steel gantry also incorporates a fume extraction system that pulls print fumes through specially designed activated charcoal filters to remove them and โ€œsweetenโ€ the air.

LSAM Additive Printers use the exact same print head mechanism as all the others, including the largest LSAM Systems which means that they produce the same amazing print quality that has made LSAM the leader in large scale additive printing. They also use the same highly advanced Ultra 6 control with all its exclusive, patented print features and capability.

The systems come standard with a single hopper polymer dryer for applications that donโ€™t change print material very often. For installations that print a wider variety of materials, a dual hopper dryer is available as an option.

An enclosure that surrounds the machine is also available. The machine with the full enclosure can also be built to meet European CE standards.

Video - Thermwood LSAM Product Manager Scott Vaal at IMTS 2022

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Nov 04, 2022

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Trade Shows, Video, IMTS, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, LSAM Additive Printers

Thermwood LSAM

From the recent IMTS 2022 show in Chicago, Thermwood LSAM Product Manager, Scott Vaal gives Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Magazine insight into LSAM and the LSAM AP 510 demonstrated at the show, as well as highlighting LSAM-only features such as Layer Time Control, Real-Time Temperature Monitoring and Superior Layer Adhesion!

More info on LSAM: https://bit.ly/LSAM_INFO


 

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 printing LIVE at CAMX 2022 in Anaheim, CA!

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Oct 13, 2022

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Trade Shows, Purdue, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, Ascent Aerospace, LSAM Additive Printers, Airtech, CAMX, General Atomics

Thermwood LSAM

Live Printing

LSAM Additive Printer AP will be live Printing at CAMX 2022

For CAMX 2022 in Anaheim, CA on October 18th-20th, Thermwood will be printing LIVE on an LSAM Additive Printer 510 โ€“ two sections of a multi-piece layup tool each day using Airtech Advanced Materials Group Dahltramโ„ข C-250 CF carbon fiber reinforced PC material. LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software will be on display as well, with Purdue representatives on site for demonstrations.  We will also have several large customer-created large scale tools on display from Airtech, Ascent Aerospace, General Atomics and more. 

This promises to be an exciting demonstration of the LSAM Additive Printer Large Scale Additive System in Booth #W2.  

LSAM Additive Printer AP 510

See Thermwood print live at CAMX 2022


Thermwood LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University

LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software on Display

Representatives from the Thermwood Research Laboratory at Purdue University (located in Purdue University's Composites Manufacturing Simulation Center - CSMC) will also be on hand to demonstrate their ADDITVE3D simulation software.

Additive3D Software from LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University


Airtech Advanced Materials Group

We will be printing two sections of a multi-piece layup tool each day using Airtech Advanced Materials Group Dahltramโ„ข C-250 CF carbon fiber reinforced PC material


About the LSAM Additive Printer

The LSAM Additive Printer systems are single gantry, moving table configurations and are available in two table sizes, 5โ€™x5โ€™ and 5โ€™x10โ€™. The 5โ€™x10โ€™ table is available in two configurations, 5โ€™ wide with 10โ€™ of front to back motion and 10โ€™ wide with 5โ€™ of front to back motion. Choice of configuration depends on several factors, fitting it existing factory floor space is one factor.

The specially designed, highly rigid tab and slot, structural steel gantry also incorporates a fume extraction system that pulls print fumes through specially designed activated charcoal filters to remove them and โ€œsweetenโ€ the air.

LSAM additive Printers use the exact same print head mechanism as all the other, including the largest LSAM Systems which means that they produce the same amazing print quality that has made LSAM the leader in large scale additive printing. They also use the same highly advanced Ultra 6 control with all its exclusive, patented print features and capability.

The systems come standard with a single hopper polymer dryer for applications that donโ€™t change print material very often. For installations that print a wider variety of materials, a dual hopper dryer is available as an option.

An enclosure that surrounds the machine is also available. The machine with the full enclosure can also be built to meet European CE standards.

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 will be LIVE Printing High Temp Autoclave Aerospace Tooling at CAMX 2021!

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Oct 01, 2021

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Trade Shows, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, SABIC, LSAM Additive Printers, Airtech, High Temperature, Techmer PM, CAMX

Thermwood LSAM

Live Printing

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 will be LIVE Printing High Temp Autoclave Aerospace Tooling at CAMX 2021!

Thermwood will be printing high temp autoclave aerospace tooling on an LSAM Additive Printer 510 LIVE at CAMX 2021 in Dallas, TX, October 19th-21st in Booth #M44B.  LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D simulation software will be on display as well in adjacent Booth #M44, with Purdue representatives on site for demonstrations.  We will be printing a different material each day, donated by AIRTECH, SABIC AND TECHMER PM.  This promises to be an exciting demonstration of the LSAM Additive Printer Large Scale Additive System! 

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 will be LIVE Printing High Temp Autoclave Aerospace Tooling at Rapid + TCT 2021

Free CAMX 2021 Exhibit Pass & 15% off Conference Registration Fee

Click the link below to Be Our Guest and register for a Free CAMX Exhibit pass and 15% off the Conference Registration Fee.

Free Exhibit Hall Pass Code: FREEEX021

15% off Full Conference Registration Code: FREEFULL21

CAMX 2021 Thermwood Free Exhibit Hall Pass Link

Make plans now to visit the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center and stop by Thermwood Booth #M44B to witness this live and in-person!


Thermwood LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University

LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software on Display

Representatives from the recently announced Thermwood Research Laboratory at Purdue University (located in Purdue University's Composites Manufacturing Simulation Center - CSMC) will also be on hand to demonstrate their ADDITVE3D simulation software.

Additive3D Software from LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University


airtech_logo-1

AIRTECH High Temp Material - Tuesday, October 19th

On Tuesday, October 19th, we will be printing AIRTECH PEI DALTRAM I-350CF


SABIC

SABIC High Temp Material - Wednesday, October 20th

On Wednesday, October 20th we will be printing SABIC LNPโ„ข THERMOCOMPโ„ข AM EC004XXAR1 ULTEM compound.


Techmer PM

TECHMER PM High Temp Material - Thursday, October 21st

On Thursday, October 21st, we will be printing TECHMERPM PESU 1810 3DP.


 

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 will be LIVE Printing High Temp Autoclave Aerospace Tooling at Rapid + TCT 2021

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Sep 02, 2021

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Trade Shows, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, SABIC, LSAM Additive Printers, RAPID + TCT, Airtech, High Temperature, Techmer PM

Thermwood LSAM

THERMWOOD LSAM Additive Printer 510 will be LIVE Printing High Temp Autoclave Aerospace Tooling at Rapid + TCT 2021

Live Printing

Thermwood will be printing high temp autoclave aerospace tooling on an LSAM Additive Printer 510 LIVE at RAPID + TCT 2021 in Chicago, IL September 13th-15th.  LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software will be on display as well, with Purdue representatives on site for demonstrations.  We will be printing a different material each day, donated by SABIC, TECHMER PM and AIRTECH.  This promises to be an exciting demonstration of the LSAM Additive Printer Large Scale Additive System. 

Free Rapid + TCT Expo Pass & $100 off Conference Registration Fee

Click the link below to Be Our Guest and register for a Free Rapid + TCT Expo pass and $100 off the Conference Registration Fee.

Use Promo Code: 10016220

Free Rapid + TCT Expo Pass & $100 off Conference Registration Fee

Make plans now to visit the McCormick Center and stop by Thermwood booth #E7628 to witness this live and in-person!


Thermwood LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University

LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue ADDITIVE3D Software on Display

Representatives from the recently announced Thermwood Research Laboratory at Purdue University (located in Purdue University's Composites Manufacturing Simulation Center - CSMC) will also be on hand to demonstrate their ADDITVE3D simulation software.

Additive3D Software from LSAM Research Laboratory at Purdue University


SABIC

SABIC High Temp Material - September 13th

On Monday, September 13th we will be printing SABIC LNPโ„ข THERMOCOMPโ„ข AM EC004XXAR1 ULTEM compound.


Techmer PM

TECHMER PM High Temp Material - Tuesday, September 14th

On Tuesday, September 14th, we will be printing TECHMERPM PESU 1810 3DP.


airtech_logo-1

AIRTECH High Temp Material - Wednesday, September 15th

On Wednesday, September 15th, we will be printing AIRTECH PEI DALTRAM I-350CF


 

Large Scale Additive Manufacturing Book Published

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Aug 19, 2021

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, Boeing, Book, Additive Manufacturing Guide

THM_LOGO_600_DPI-2-1

A Manager's Guide to Large Scale Additive Manufacturing

A Manager's Guide to Large Scale Additive Manufacturing

This 315 page book, currently available as either an eBook or paperback hardcopy, is intended to help non-technical managers understand the basics behind a new technology that is revolutionizing production of large composite molds, tools and other industrial and commercial products.

Where to Purchase

This book is currently available from Amazon either as an electronic file or as a printed hardcopy.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

 

 

Who This Book is For

If you are a manager in an industrial company who might benefit from large scale additive technology, or, if your company is actively exploring this technology, this book will give you the background you need to participate and make better decisions. It will also help you cut through the confusion and crosstalk that often accompanies a new technology like this.

More Info

Industrial additive manufacturing is currently being used successfully every day to produce some of the largest composite parts ever made. These include large aerospace molds and tools, foundry patterns for various industries, chassis for electric busses and what is likely the tallest 3D printed structure ever made. Although the process results in substantial savings and dramatically reduces lead time, much of industry today still doesnโ€™t understand or trust it.

In this book, the author, who was instrumental in developing the technology actually being used in industry today, explains in everyday, no nonsense language what it is, how it works, what actually works, what doesnโ€™t and why. He provides a guide for non-technical managers to help them understand the basics so they can evaluate how this new technology might impact their company.

He explores all aspects of this process in clear, easy to understand language including the print process, polymers, software, trimming, cost savings, time savings, computer simulation and the practical, real world, aspects of getting into large scale additive. He includes sometimes humorous vignettes about surprises, missteps and stumbles during initial technology development and how they were handled.

About the Author

Author Ken SusnjaraThe author, Ken Susnjara, is the founder, Chairman and CEO of Thermwood Corporation, the leading supplier of large scale additive systems for the production of thermoplastic composites. With almost 100 patents to his name, he was instrumental in the development of the underlying technology behind the most successful large scale additive systems today.

 

 

 

 

Boeing, Navy ManTech, NAVAIR AERMIP and Thermwood Collaborate on Large Scale Composite AM Cure Tool

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Jun 30, 2021

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Large Scale, Thermwood LSAM, Navy, Composite Tooling, Boeing, Navair, Collaboration, Fleet Readiness Center

Thermwood was a key development partner in a Navy ManTech funded program issued to Boeing Research and Technology. The ManTech program was managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI) for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) with funding provided from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Aircraft Equipment Reliability & Maintainability Improvement Program (AERMIP). Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) was a key technical contributor for the low cost composite cure tooling technology development.

Boeing, Navy ManTech, NAVAIR AERMIP and Thermwood Collaborate on Large Scale Composite AM Cure Tool

The Details

Thermwoodโ€™s Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) machine was selected as the Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) machine to conduct the technology development. Several unique equipment features of the LSAM machine drove the selection. The high temperature autoclave cure tooling operating environment of 355 degree Fahrenheit and 85 psi provides a challenge for polymer based tool material. Additional composite cure tooling requirements for vacuum integrity and dimensional stability were validated during the development. Neil Graf Office of Naval Research, noted โ€œComposite manufacturing is a strategic technology for future platforms and development of more cost effective tooling solutions would significantly benefit the implementation.โ€

The Process

FRCE provided a high contour mold line surface to Boeing for generating the composite cure tool. The mold line shape was very aggressive and would stretch the large format additive manufacturing technology processes capability. The spherically shaped portion of the mold line offered the largest challenge, as the unsupported 3D printed angle limitation of approximately 45 degrees provides an interesting obstacle to overcome for the spherical mold line section of the tool. Boeing rotated the 3D print plane 35 degrees to avoid encroachment of the build angle limitation.

Final 3D Print Model

Final 3D Print Model

The new innovative build plane approach eliminated the requirement for temporary support material for the aggressive mold line shape. The new build angle would test the LSAM machine limits in an area never explored previously. TechmerPM PESU CF 1810 high temperature print material was used for the composite cure tool. High temperature materials present additional challenges during print over low temperature materials such as ABS CF. Two interim support features were added to compensate for the center of gravity shift of the print. The LSAM machine performed flawlessly during the composite cure tool print. The tool was printed in 7 hours and 26 minutes using 610 lbs of material.

Composite Cure tool printing on Thermwood LSAM

Composite Cure Tool printing on Thermwood LSAM

The composite cure tool was machined in 53 hours using the LSAM gantry router machine. The tool datum features, and removal of interim members, were machined prior to removal from the bead-board. The Thermwood LSAM machine offers the ability to machine and 3D print on a single platform. The composite cure tool mold line part surface achieved at surface profile tolerance of .020โ€ (+/-.010โ€).

Machining the Composite Cure Tool on Thermwood LSAM

Machining the Composite Cure Tool on Thermwood LSAM

The Boeing Research and Technology (BR&T) laboratory performed functional testing on the LFAM composite cure tool to ensure vacuum integrity and dimensional stability requirements were reached. The LFAM tool performed as expected and achieved all requirements. Several composite parts were fabricated from the tool. The tool durability was assessed during the multiple autoclave cure cycles and fabricated (3) composite parts. The tool maintained dimensional stability and vacuum integrity throughout the functional testing and composite part manufacturing.

LFAM tool after Autoclave Cure

LFAM tool after Autoclave Cure

The composite cure tool was printed and NC machined on Thermwoodโ€™s Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) 1020 machine. The LFAM technology cost savings was estimated at 50% compared to traditional tool fabrication methods, and reduced tool fabrication lead-time by 65%. The cost savings and tool fabrication cycle time reduction could provide enormous benefit to any organizations performing low volume or custom composite part fabrication and repair.

Composite Part Fabricated from LFAM Tool

Composite part fabricated from LFAM tool

Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) was performed on the composite parts fabricated on LSAM tools. The NDI results did not indicate any porosity. Due to the complex shape of the composite demonstration part several NDI process were employed. X-ray and C-Scan results did not reveal any delaminations or defects.

The Bottom Line

The program benefited from a cooperative effort among several contributors to achieve success. The partnership between industrial technology leaders, Boeing and Thermwood coupled with the Office of Naval Researchโ€™s drive to transition technology, led to the successful program. โ€œCollaborations such as this help expand the scope of capabilities of emerging large scale additive technology by addressing real world challenges that would be difficult for any single entity to define and address by itself. We look forward to new challenges moving forwardโ€, says Thermwood CEO, Ken Susnjara.

Additional development is key to expand LFAM composite cure tooling implementation. Boeing Associate Technical Fellow Michael Matlack commented โ€œThe program provided significant results in validating additive manufacturing as a viable method of producing lower cost, capable tooling with substantial time savings over traditional methods.โ€

LSAM Info Request

Thermwood Continues Development of its Large Scale Additive Manufacturing System

Posted by Duane Marrett on Mon, Oct 19, 2015

Tags: Announcements, Additive, Large Scale, Testing

Thermwood Corporation, a major U.S. based manufacturer of CNC routers, has embarked on a program to develop Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) which can perform both the โ€œadditiveโ€ and โ€œsubtractiveโ€ functions on the same machine. This approach, called โ€œnear net shapeโ€, uses a high volume thermoplastic printer to quickly create a part that is nearly, but not exactly, the final net shape. A โ€œsubtractiveโ€ function then machines the part to the exact final net shape. In its final form, Thermwoodโ€™s system will perform both the โ€œAdditiveโ€ and โ€œSubtractiveโ€ functions on the same machine.

MeltShape Technology 

Thermwoodโ€™s MeltShape wheel is servo controlled to precisely follow machine motion.
Thermwood's MeltShape wheel is servo controlled to precisely follow machine motion

Vertical wall after additive process

 

Horizontal slab during additive process

Both vertical walls and horizontal slabs were successfully built during initial testing


More complex pattern during the additive process

More complex pattern after the subtractive trimming process
A more complex pattern was also created and trimmed as part of the testing process


Thermwoodโ€™s development system has performed well during initial additive testing. It has been tested through its entire operating range. This startup effort included initial validation of an all new โ€œMeltShape Technologyโ€. Melt shaping promises enhanced control of layer shape and improved bonding between layers. This new patent pending approach uses one or more shaping wheels to shape, form and compress the hot plastic melt as it is being extruded, insuring that each new layer is the proper shape and thickness and that it bonds firmly to previously applied material.  Melt shaping offers a new and promising technique in the advancement of large scale additive manufacturing. 

Featuring an extruder from American Kuhne

American Kuhne

Kevin Slusarz, American Kuhne vice president of process technology, assisted with the start-up effort.  American Kuhne, a Graham Group Company, supplied the custom extrusion system for Thermwoodโ€™s development machine. The extrusion system performed flawlessly during initial testing. Extruder controls are designed to smoothly network and integrate with the machine control. โ€œWe are quite pleased to have a partner like American Kuhne as part of this development programโ€ says Ken Susnjara, Thermwoodโ€™s CEO. 

20% Carbon Graphite Filled ABS

The material processed during startup testing was a 20% carbon graphite filled ABS from Techmer ES. Thermwood is in discussions with other material supplier to test their material in this new application. 

MeltShaping Approach 

Thermwoodโ€™s melt shaping approach to adding material offers several significant advantages. Because layers are rolled together, rather than tamped together, air between layers is squeezed out during the additive process, so it is much less likely that air becomes trapped between layers. This was borne out during initial testing which produced virtually void free walls. This addresses the problem of trapped air delaminating layers when a part is processed through a heated autoclave, which is a common requirement for aerospace parts and patterns.  

Full Six Axis Articulated Additive Deposition Head 

This approach uses a melt shaping wheel that interact with the extruded thermoplastic bead while it is still hot and pliable. The shaping wheel is servo controlled so it can track the direction of machine motion. The Thermwood machine is a full six axis system, five axes to position the head in any orientation and the sixth axis to align the shaping wheels to the machine motion direction. Thermwood has added a software feature to its Q Core CNC control called โ€œTangential Followingโ€ which automatically keeps the shaping wheel aligned with the direction of machine motion without the need for six axis programming. This eliminates the need for a specialized CAD/CAM system to handle the sixth axis and allows the use of virtually any five-axis CAD/CAM system to program machine motion. 

Multiple Shaping Modules

Thermwood envisions different shaping wheels, each imparting specific characteristics to the hot plastic bead. 

Further Details

Because of its five axis head configuration, material can be applied at an angle or onto a curved surfaces in addition to traditional horizontal layers. This capability opens new processing possibilities and supports free form additive manufacturing techniques not currently possible. 

Thermwoodโ€™s initial test machine, which can print parts up to ten foot by ten foot by five foot thick, is expected to be fitted with a five axis โ€œsubtractiveโ€ gantry trim system in the next few months at which time all functions can be performed on the same machine. 

Ongoing Development

Thermwood Additive Manufacturing System
Thermwoodโ€™s LASM development machine can print parts up to ten foot by ten foot by five foot high

Thermwood plans to continue this development effort with the goal of offering these machines in a variety of large sizes for commercial applications. Management cannot yet determine when the technology might be sufficiently refined for commercial rather than purely research and development applications. In the meantime Thermwood plans to continue working with material vendors, R&D operations and potential users in an ongoing development effort.