ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM HAVING IN-SITU FIBER SPLICING
A system is disclosed for use in additively manufacturing a composite structure. The system may include a head configured to discharge a composite material, including a matrix and a first reinforcement. The system may also include a splicing mechanism configured to selectively swap out the first reinforcement with a second reinforcement.
1 . An additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a head configured to discharge a composite material including a matrix and a first reinforcement; and
a splicing mechanism configured to selectively swap out the first reinforcement with a second reinforcement.
2 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the splicing mechanism is configured to dynamically swap out the first reinforcement with the second reinforcement during discharging by the head.
3 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , further including a support configured to move the head in multiple dimensions during discharging.
4 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 3 , wherein the splicing mechanism is located within at least one of the head or the support.
5 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , further including a controller configured to:
receive information regarding a structure to be manufactured with the composite material; and
coordinate operation of the splicing mechanism with movement of the head based on the information.
6 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , further including an external cure enhancer configured to enhance curing of the matrix after discharge.
7 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 6 , wherein the splicing mechanism includes:
a cutter configured to selectively sever the first reinforcement;
a driver configured to selectively drive the second reinforcement to at least one of abut or overlap the first reinforcement;
an adhesive dispenser configured to apply adhesive to at least one of the first and second reinforcements; and
an internal cure enhancer configured to cure the adhesive before the second reinforcement is coated with the matrix material.
8 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 6 , wherein the adhesive is more flexible than the matrix material.
9 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the splicing mechanism further includes a device configured to press together and shape ends of the first and second reinforcements.
10 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the first reinforcement is different than the second reinforcement in at least one of a type, a composition, and a size.
11 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 1 , wherein the splicing mechanism is further configured to selectively supplement the first reinforcement with the second reinforcement.
12 . An additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a head configured to discharge a composite material including a matrix and a first reinforcement;
a support configured to move the head in multiple dimensions during discharging by the head;
a splicing mechanism configured to at least one of dynamically swap out or supplement the first reinforcement with a second reinforcement during discharging by the head; and
a controller configured to:
receive information regarding a structure to be manufactured with the composite material; and
coordinate operation of the splicing mechanism with movement of the head based on the information.
13 . A head for an additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a housing;
a nozzle located at a discharge end of the housing;
a cutter disposed inside the housing;
an adhesive dispenser disposed inside the housing and adjacent the cutter; and
an internal cure enhancer disposed inside the housing and downstream of the adhesive dispenser.
14 . The head of claim 13 , wherein cutter is configured to cut a first reinforcement currently being discharged through the nozzle.
15 . The head of claim 14 , further including a driver configured to advance a second reinforcement to at least one of abut and overlap the first reinforcement.
16 . The head of claim 15 , further including a device configured to press together and shape ends of the first and second reinforcements.
17 . The head of claim 15 , wherein the adhesive dispenser is configured to dispense an adhesive onto at least one of the first and second reinforcements.
18 . The head of claim 17 , wherein the nozzle is configured to discharge at least one of the first and second reinforcements along with a matrix.
19 . The head of claim 18 , wherein the adhesive and the matrix are of a same composition.
20 . The head of claim 18 , further including an external cure enhancer configured to enhance curing of the matrix, wherein the internal cure enhancer is configured to enhance curing of the adhesive.