The Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) 25 technology is an innovative advancement that capitalizes on proven 2D printing technology, which has long been utilized to produce high-volume output reliably and consistently for 2D printing.
CBAM 25 revolutionizes manufacturing processes by enabling the creation of high-density build layouts with minimal distances between parts. This not only facilitates cost-effective production but also minimizes material waste, aligning with sustainability goals.
Versatility is a key feature of the CBAM 25 technology, as it can be configured to utilize a wide range of material combinations. These include long fiber carbon fiber, fiberglass substrates, and various thermoplastic or thermoset powder matrix materials. The system's dual powdering stations facilitate seamless material changes, eliminating the need for time-consuming cleaning processes between material transitions.
Achieving high-volume output, the CBAM 25 system boasts a build block with a printable volume of 18x18x5 inches. With the rapid and precise conveyance of a 20-inch width fiber substrate through the system at a rate of 25 feet per minute, the CBAM-25 prints one 60 um thick layer approximately every 4 seconds, resulting in a print rate of 1 inch of build block every 27 minutes. Capable of printing very dense build blocks at the real-world production rate of the CBAM-25 is quite high – quite close to the theoretical maximum of 12 L/Hr. The utilization of a full-width 1200 dpi print head array at room temperature ensures efficient printing, and the wetting fluid used in the process prevents potential clogging of the print heads and defects in the printing process.
Quality assurance is paramount in CBAM 25, with real-time inspection using a vision system to detect any errors in the printed sheet. Defective sheets can be promptly identified, purged, and reprinted to minimize scrap and ensure optimal part quality and production efficiency.
Another notable efficiency-enhancing feature is the room-temperature powder deposition process, which minimizes material waste by vacuuming off excess powder for reuse on subsequent sheets. This eliminates the need for elevated temperatures that could alter material properties, distinguishing CBAM 25 from traditional powder bed additive processes.
Following powder deposition, the sheet undergoes further inspection to verify correct powder placement, ensuring part accuracy and strength. Defective sheets can undergo remediation processes to uphold quality standards and reduce overall build scrap.
Automated sheet placement and alignment into press jig fixtures expedite the assembly process, with in-situ inspections ensuring precise alignment for optimal part quality and strength.
Upon completion of printing, the press jig containing the printed sheets is transferred to the heating and pressing operation for composite part formation. The use of room-temperature, long-shelf-life materials allows for flexibility in production scheduling, accommodating new product introductions and environments with varying product mixes and low-volume part requirements.
The design of the CBAM 25 system is modular, comprising five modules that can be flexibly integrated into various production environments. Moreover, it offers the potential for future expansions, such as the replacement of the sheet stacker module with a larger one to accommodate larger area printed sheets, thereby enhancing productivity and scalability.
In summary, the CBAM 25 technology represents a significant advancement in additive manufacturing, offering unparalleled efficiency, versatility, and quality assurance for composite part production. Its modular design, coupled with advanced features such as real-time inspection and room-temperature processes, positions it as a game-changer in the manufacturing industry.
Watch our CBAM 25 video, download the machine brochure, and learn more by visiting https://impossible-objects.com/cbam-25/