With JEC World approaching, we will gradually share what you might expect to discover from AM technology providers onsite. As a reminder, from March 4th to 6th, JEC World will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year while highlighting the diversity of the composites industry and its application sectors.
As AM has become a key solution of this toolkit, it’s definitely the place to be for machine manufacturers like Thermwood who have been pushing carbon fiber 3D printing through Large Scale Additive Manufacturing.
This year, in the LIVE Demo Area located in Hall 6, one could see the LSAM AP 510 Additive Printer in action, printing a double-sided RTM mold for an underwater tidal turbine blade each day of the event.
The mold pairs will be printed using advanced carbon fiber reinforced materials, with a different material supplier featured each day (Sabic and Techmer PM).
This will not only be a simple demo, as Thermwood explains that at the end, the 3D printed mold pairs will be shipped from the event, machined, and subsequently used to produce actual tidal turbine blades.
The LSAM AP 510 Additive Printer
The LSAM Additive Printer features a single fixed gantry, 5’x10’ moving table, 4’ maximum print height and a maximum print temperature of 450° F (232°C).
The LSAM Additive Printers systems are single gantry, moving table configurations and are available in two table sizes, 5’x5’ and 5’x10’. The 5’x10’ table is available in two configurations, 5’ wide with 10’ of front to back motion and 10’ wide with 5’ 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 “sweeten” 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 capabilities.
The systems come standard with a single hopper polymer dryer for applications that don’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.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice
In addition to LIVE printing throughout the day, we will also present an interactive demonstration twice per day that will allow participants to see firsthand how LSAM technology prints and finishes large-scale thermoplastic parts with exceptional precision, speed, and efficiency. Additionally, we will highlight the wide range of material options and design flexibility available, as well as some of the patented features that set LSAM systems apart as the top choice in the industry. 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.
Eduardo Barocio, Director of Composites Additive Manufacturing and Simulation (CAMS) Consortium 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. 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.
The company will also have its regular booth (Hall 6 P52) staffed by knowledgeable experts who can help answer any questions visitors will have.
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