System and method for continuous fabrication of graded structured units using additive manufacturing

Abstract

A system and method of continuous fabrication of multi-material graded structures using additive manufacturing is disclosed. Using multi-material feedstocks and optimized processing parameters, the gradient on composition and structure are controlled to achieve smooth transition from one functional component to another functional component. A multi-material graded structure is produced as the feedstocks are transported from the feedstock reservoir system comprised of many different materials. Interface transition from one functional layer to the next is gradient, controlled by feedstock mixture ratios based on the flow rate control for the feedstock system. Composition includes chemical composition, physical composition, and porosity. Continuous automatic additive manufacturing method makes the fabrication more efficient and avoids joining problems. This method finds application in fabrication of a fuel cell, battery, reformer and other chemical reaction and process units, including structures made of multiple units, such as stacks, that incorporate multiple functional components.

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