A block of carbon fiber
At Weber State, they refer to the process as“ continuous fiber manufacturing, using the Continuous Fiber Additive Manufacturing( CFAM) robot”— which is the CF3D ® Enterprise— to test hightemperature capabilities. Garcia’ s team uses this system to create composite structures for high-temperature aerospace applications, including thermal protection systems( TPS), utilizing both polymer and ceramic matrix composites. After using the equipment for about a year, Garcia has seen significant improvements in performance and the advancements it has enabled in their research.
Weber State ' s MARS facility serves as a demonstration platform for next-generation manufacturing equipment. By partnering with industry, government, and other national laboratories, they design and build parts that can be deployed in production environments. The Center offers a“ try-before-you-buy” model, allowing industry partners to test the technology before making a commitment to purchase.
During his visit to Continuous Composites in 2023, Garcia was impressed by the technical advancements and the shift away from traditional pre-preg systems. " I was impressed with the quality of the product coming out of the machine," he said. The CF3D system significantly reduces the cost and complexity of sourcing pre-preg materials, a common challenge in traditional composite manufacturing methods.
Traditional composite manufacturing techniques, such as hand layup and resin transfer molding, are labor-intensive, requiring fibers to be manually placed in molds and resin applied either by hand or injection. These methods often involve complex tooling, long lead times, and curing in autoclaves or ovens, making them slow and costly. In contrast, CF3D automates the process by depositing
12 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS