Using Magnetic Fields to Align 3D Printed Composite Materials
MIE Associate Professor Randall Erb was awarded a patent for creating a method for “Direct write three-dimensional printing of aligned composite materials”.
Abstract Source: USPTO
An apparatus and method for producing a composite part, such as a reinforced composite part, are provided that enable control over the fiber or other particle orientation within each layer of the part during manufacture. The apparatus and method employ a print head including a dispensing tip and a magnetic assembly controllable to apply a magnetic field at a print location adjacent to the dispensing tip outlet.
