Curved Layer LOM of Ceramics and Composites

A novel rapidprototyping (RP) technology incorporating a curved layer building style has been developed. The new process,based on Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), is suited for efficient fabrication of curved layer structures made from ceramics and fibrous composites. Anew LOM machine was developedithatuses ceramic tapes and fiberprepregs as a feedstock and outputs at11fee dimensional green form. The green ceramic is then processed to a seamless, fully dense ceramic structure using traditional ceramic techniques. Thisreport summarizes the new LOM process. and necessary hardware. Also reviewed is the development of ceramic preforms and accompanying process technology for net shape fabrication of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Compared to making curved objeds with the standard flat.layer LOMprocess, the curved process affordsthe advantages of eliminated stair-step effect,increased build speed, reduced waste,reduced need for decubing, and the ability to maintain continuous fibers in the direction of curvature.