Laminate construction method for producing rapid prototypes, involves cutting and stacking variable laminates according to the desired product, then pressing together

摘要

Material strip is fed to a machine, coated with adhesive then cut into pieces according to computerized construction data of the final three dimensional product. Cutting is effected by a heated linear cutter. Cut pieces are then stacked on a moving table which is correctly positioned for the placement of each piece as the laminate construction proceeds. The completed stack is then pressed. A material strip is fed (12,14) to a machine, coated with adhesive (23) and then cut into pieces with variable breadth, edge angle and length according to computerized construction data of the final three dimensional product. Cutting is effected by a heated linear cutter (16,17). Cut pieces are then stacked on a moving table (21) which is correctly positioned for the placement of each piece as the laminate construction proceeds. The completed stack is then pressed together (22). An Independent claim is made for a machine for producing a three dimension laminated structure which includes a feeding system (14) for the strip material, a coating unit (23) for applying adhesive to the underside of the strip, a cutting unit with a linear heat source (16,17) and cut part holding system (18,19) which can raise or lower the cut pieces vertically and a positioning arrangement (21) for locating laminates during assembly.