ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM HAVING VARIABLE CURE ARRANGEMENT
A head is disclosed for an additive manufacturing system. The head may include a nozzle configured to discharge a matrix reinforced with a fiber, and a plurality of light sources at least partially surrounding the nozzle. The plurality of light sources may be configured to enhance curing of the matrix. At least two of the plurality of light sources are configured to generate light within different spectrums.
1 . A head for a continuous manufacturing system, comprising:
a nozzle configured to discharge a matrix reinforced with a fiber; and
a plurality of light sources at least partially surrounding the nozzle and configured to enhance curing of the matrix, wherein at least two of the plurality of light sources are configured to generate light within different spectrums.
2 . The head of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the different spectrums includes UV light.
3 . The head of claim 2 , wherein another of the different spectrums includes at least one of infrared light and blue light.
4 . The head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources are active at different times to create separate areas of illumination located at different sides of the head.
5 . The head of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of light sources are selectively active at the same time to create at least one overlapping area of illumination.
6 . The head of claim 5 , wherein activation of the plurality of light sources is coordinated with discharge of the matrix and fiber.
7 . The head of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of light sources are active only at a side of the head from which the matrix and fiber are trailing.
8 . The head of claim 1 , further including at least one lens configured to aim light energy from the plurality of light sources.
9 . The head of claim 1 , wherein the fiber is continuous.
10 . A head for an additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a nozzle configured to discharge a matrix reinforced with a fiber;
a UV light source located adjacent the nozzle; and
at least one additional light source located adjacent the nozzle, the at least one additional light source being configured to generate at least one of infrared light and blue light,
wherein:
the UV light source and the at least one additional light source are active at different times to create separate areas of illumination located at different sides of the head; and
the UV light source and the at least one additional light source are also selectively active at the same time to create at least one overlapping area of illumination.
11 . The head of claim 10 , wherein the UV light source and the at least one additional light source are active only at a side of the head from which the matrix and fiber are trailing.
12 . An additive manufacturing system, comprising:
a support;
a head mounted to the support and including:
a nozzle configured to discharge a matrix reinforced with a fiber; and
a plurality of light sources at least partially surrounding the nozzle and configured to enhance curing of the matrix, wherein at least two of the plurality of light sources are configured to generate light within different spectrums; and
a controller configured to regulate operation of the support and the plurality of light sources.
13 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the different spectrums includes UV light.
14 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 13 , wherein another of the different spectrums includes at least one of infrared light and blue light.
15 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the plurality of light sources at different times to create separate areas of illumination located at different sides of the head.
16 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 15 , wherein the controller is further configured to selectively activate the plurality of light sources at the same time to create at least one overlapping area of illumination.
17 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 16 , wherein the controller is configured to coordinate activation of the plurality of light sources with discharge of the matrix and fiber.
18 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 17 , wherein controller is configured to oriented a specified combination of the plurality of light sources at a side of the head from which the matrix and fiber are trailing.
19 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 12 , further including at least one lens configured to aim light energy from the plurality of light sources.
20 . The additive manufacturing system of claim 12 , wherein the fiber is continuous.