Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1999

Publication Source

Rapid Prototyping Journal

Abstract

A novel rapid prototyping technology incorporating a curved layer building style was developed. The new process, based on Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), was designed for efficient fabrication of curved layer structures made from ceramics and fiber reinforced composites. A new LOM machine was created, referred to as Curved Layer LOM. This new machine uses ceramic tapes and fiber prepregs as feedstocks and fabricates curved structures on a curved-layer by curved-layer basis. The output of the process is a three dimensional "green" ceramic that is capable of being processed to a seamless, fully dense ceramic using traditional techniques. A detailed description is made of the necessary software and hardware for this new process. Also reviewed is the development of ceramic preforms and accompanying process technology for net shape ceramic fabrication. Monolithic ceramic (SiC) and ceramic matrix composite (SiC/SiC) articles were fabricated using both the flat layer and curved layer LOM processes. For making curved layer objects, the curved process afforded the advantages of eliminated stair step effect, increased build speed, reduced waste, reduced need for decubing, and maintenance of continuous fibers in the direction of curvature.

Inclusive pages

61-71

ISBN/ISSN

1355-2546

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the authors' accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file.

To view the version of record, use the link below the download button or the DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13552549910267362

Publisher

Emerald Publishing Limited

Volume

5

Peer Reviewed

yes

Issue

2

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