Abstract
The invention relates to a method of reinforcing a 3D printed structure (110) by interweaving reinforcement (136) with 3D printed substrate layers (122) as the substrate layers are being printed. The method comprising the steps of printing substrate layers (122), supplying reinforcement (136), and interweaving the reinforcement with the printed substrate layers to create a reinforcement grid around, and optionally in between, the printed substrate layers. The reinforcement is connected at nodes (150). The invention also relates to an apparatus (100) comprising a 3D printer (120) and a reinforcement tool (130). The reinforcement tool comprises at least one weaving tool (132) with at least one needle (134) for interweaving the reinforcement (136). It also has at least one arrangement means (138) for moving the reinforcement tool (130) to the position where the reinforcement (136) is to be interwoven with the printed layers (122). By use of the invention, a reinforced 3D printed structure (110) can be designed and manufactured to take into account the local internal forces expected to arise during use of the structure.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| IPC | D04G 5/ 00 A I |
| Patent number | WO2021233905 |
| Filing date | 20/05/2020 |
| Country/Territory | International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| Priority date | 20/05/2020 |
| Priority number | EP20200175650 |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Nov 2021 |