C22C47/025

Resistive Heating-Compression Method and Apparatus for Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing
20180072001 · 2018-03-15 ·

A method and apparatus for resistive heating usable in composite-based additive manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes providing a prepared stack of substrate sheets, placing the stack between electrode assemblies of a compression device, applying a current to thereby heat the stack to a final temperature to liquefy applied powder, compressing the stack to a final height, cooling the stack, and removing the cooled, compressed stack from the compression device. The apparatus comprises at least two plates, a power supply for providing current, a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INFILTRATION OF A MICRO/NANOFIBER FILM
20170189958 · 2017-07-06 ·

There is provided an apparatus and method for manufacturing of an infiltrated fiber-based composite film. The apparatus comprises two tool blocks arranged opposite each other enabling a fiber-based film to be arranged between the tool blocks. At least one of the tool blocks comprises a recess so that the recess can form a sealed cavity enclosing a portion of the film when the tool blocks are in contact with each other. At least one of the tool blocks comprises a vacuum channel connecting cavity to a vacuum pump for drawing a vacuum in the cavity; a melt channel connecting the cavity to a source of molten material. The melt channel comprises a valve arrangement controlling delivery of the molten material to the cavity; pressure means to achieve an elevated pressure onto the molten material within the cavity such that a fiber film in the cavity is infiltrated by the molten material; and an ejection piston for ejecting an infiltrated fiber film from the cavity.

APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

A method, product, apparatus, and article of manufacture for the application of the Composite Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) method to produce objects in metal, and in metal fiber hybrids or composites. The approach has many advantages, including the ability to produce more complex geometries than conventional methods such as milling and casting, improved material properties, higher production rates and the elimination of complex fixturing, complex tool paths and tool changes and, for casting, the need for patterns and tools. The approach works by slicing a 3D model, selectively printing a fluid onto a sheet of substrate material for each layer based on the model, flooding onto the substrate a powdered metal to which the fluid adheres in printed areas, clamping and aligning a stack of coated sheets, heating the stacked sheets to melt the powdered metal and fuse the layers of substrate, and removing excess powder and unfused substrate.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF A COMPONENT MADE FROM A METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE
20170050271 · 2017-02-23 ·

The embodiments relate to a method for additive manufacturing of a component made from a metal matrix composite for a vehicle. In a step of the method, a plurality of elongated filaments is provided. In another step, metallic powder is provided. In a further step, the metal matrix composite component is additively manufactured by melting the metallic powder.