Method and Apparatus for Additive Mechanical Growth of Tubular Structures

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing, and specifically for extruding tubular objects. A print head extrudes a curable material into a tubular object, while simultaneously curing the tubular object and utilizing the interior of the cured portion of the tubular object for stabilizing and propelling the print head.

主权项

1. A method of producing a tubular shaped product, including the steps of:
a. Extruding a composite tubular shaped product of solid strand material encased in curable matrix material from a print head, wherein the print head is coupled to a means of stabilization and propulsion, b. Curing the tubular shaped product as it is extruded, c. Stabilizing the print head while extruding, by situating the means of stabilization and propulsion inside the tubular shaped product; and d. Propelling the print head while extruding, by moving the means of stabilization and propulsion along the inside of the tubular shaped product, wherein the extrusion rate is coordinated with the propulsion rate.