Complex three=dimensional shapes manufacture by computer controlled welding machine

摘要

Extrusion weld coating of a thermoplastic, from a welding head (2) moved relatively to the workpiece (1), under at least 4-axis computer-/NC-/CNC-control, generates complex 3D geometry. Rod, granules or re-granulated material fed to an extruder (3) produce weld medium; reinforcement, e.g. wood flour or glass fibres may be added. The head (2) connects to the extruder via a swivel axis (11), or by means of a flexible connection. Surface accuracy depends on the width and height of the bead; for high accuracy, the existing NC program is modified, to finish by high speed milling. In addition to the method described, the equipment to execute it, is also claimed.