Ingersoll showcases 3D printed winglet layup tool at IMTS
The part was printed with large 3D printing technology developed by Ingersoll Machine Tools and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
.png;width=70;height=70;mode=crop;format=webp)
Winglet layup tool printed using Ingersoll Machine Tools’ large 3D printing technology.
Photos | Heather McClain Francis
Ingersoll Machine Tools Inc. (Rockford, IL, US) showcased at this week’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS, Chicago, IL, US) Master Print, the company’s new large-format 3D printing technology with automatic attachment change to 5-axis CNC for aerospace-grade milling. The technology was developed in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN, US).
On display is the layup tool for a winglet shown in two stages. One is the just-printed tool. Second is the finished tool with sealant coating, ready to be used.
The part, says Ingersoll, weighs 430 lb/195kg and was printed in 6.5 hours. It was machined in 4.3 hours using the machine’s 5-axis technology. The material is ABS with 20% chopped carbon fiber reinforcement.
Related Content
-
Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
-
Composite rebar for future infrastructure
GFRP eliminates risk of corrosion and increases durability fourfold for reinforced concrete that meets future demands as traffic, urbanization and extreme weather increase.
-
Plant tour: Spirit AeroSystems, Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K.
Purpose-built facility employs resin transfer infusion (RTI) and assembly technology to manufacture today’s composite A220 wings, and prepares for future new programs and production ramp-ups.
