System and method for an integrated additive manufacturing cell for complex components
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsWendell V. Twelves, Jr., James W. Norris, Bernard J. Raver
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Abstract
An integrated additive manufacturing cell (IAMC) that combines conventional manufacturing technologies with additive manufacturing processes is disclosed. Individual IAMCs may be configured and optimized for specific part families of complex components, or other industrial applications. The IAMCs incorporate features that reduce hardware cost and time and allow for local alloy tailoring for material properties optimization in complex components.
Claims10
A method for operating an integrated additive machining cell system comprising:
- supplying power and communications from an enclosed central manufacturing cell to a plurality of external modules;
- manufacturing a part via an additive manufacturing process;
- performing secondary operations with one or more said external modules on the part while said part is in the enclosed central manufacturing cell;
- and
- performing secondary operations on the part in one or more additional said external modules.
A method for operating an integrated additive machining cell system comprising:
- supplying power and communications from an enclosed central manufacturing cell to a plurality of external modules;
- manufacturing a part via an additive manufacturing process in a said external module;
- and
- performing secondary operations with one or more said external modules on the part while said part is in the enclosed central manufacturing cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.