PART HOLDER FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM
A part holder is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing system. The part holder may include a first ring configured to provide mounting for a part during additive manufacturing. The part holder may also include a second ring configured to internally receive the first ring. The first ring may be moveable relative to the second ring.
1 . A part holder for an additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a first ring configured to provide mounting for a part during additive manufacturing; and
a second ring configured to internally receive the first ring,
wherein the first ring is moveable relative to the second ring.
2 . The part holder of claim 1 , further including at least one anchor point extending from the first ring and configured to support the part.
3 . The part holder of claim 2 , wherein the at least one anchor point is fabricated in-situ.
4 . The part holder of claim 2 , wherein the at least one anchor point extends radially inward toward a center of the first ring.
5 . The part holder of claim 4 , wherein the at least one anchor point is adjustable relative to the first ring.
6 . The part holder of claim 1 , wherein the first ring is connected to the second ring at a pivot point, and configured to pivot about a first axis passing through the pivot point.
7 . The part holder of claim 6 , wherein the second ring is connectable to a build platform at a second pivot point, and configured to pivot about a second axis passing through the second pivot point.
8 . The part holder of claim 7 , wherein the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis.
9 . The part holder of claim 6 , wherein the first axis passes through a center of the first ring.
10 . The part holder of claim 1 , further including at least one actuator configured to cause movement of at least one of the first and second rings.
11 . The part holder of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second rings completely encircles the part.
12 . The part holder of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second rings only partially encircles the part.
13 . A part holder for an additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a first ring;
at least one anchor point extending radially inward from the first ring and configured to support a part during additive manufacture;
a second ring configured to internally receive the first ring, wherein:
the first ring is connected to the second ring at a pivot point, and configured to pivot about an axis passing through the pivot point; and
the second ring is connectable to a build platform at a second pivot point, and configured to pivot about a second axis passing through the second pivot point; and
at least one actuator configured to cause pivoting of at least one of the first and second rings.
14 . A system for additively manufacturing a part, comprising:
a head configured to discharge a continuous fiber at least partially coated with a matrix to form the part;
a support configured to move the head during discharge; and
a part holder configured to provide access to multiple sides of the part during discharge, the part holder including:
a first ring configured to provide mounting for the part;
a second ring configured to internally receive the first ring; and
an actuator configured to move the first ring relative to the second ring; and
a controller in communication with the support and the actuator and configured to coordinate movements of the head and the part via activation of the support and the actuator.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein:
the head includes at least one cure enhancer configured to cure the matrix at discharge; and
the controller is in further communication with the at least one cure enhancer and configured to selectively activate the at least one cure enhancer.
16 . The system of claim 14 , wherein:
the actuator is a first actuator;
the part holder includes a second actuator configured to move the second ring relative to a build platform; and
the controller is in further communication with the second actuator and configured to coordinate movements of the head and the part via activation of the support, the first actuator, and the second actuator.
17 . The system of claim 14 , further including at least one anchor point extending from the first ring and configured to support the part, wherein the at least one anchor point is adjustable relative to the first ring.
18 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the first ring is connected to the second ring at a pivot point, and pivoted by the actuator about an axis passing through the pivot point.
19 . The system of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the first and second rings completely encircles the part.
20 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the controller is configured to cause the actuator to move the part relative to the head, and thereby pull the continuous fiber from the head while the head remains stationary.