Thermwood to exhibit angle layer print at JEC World

Thermwood has added a third print orientation to its LSAM Large Scale Additive Manufacturing systems, and will be exhibiting a fiberglass layup tool example that was printed using this new method at JEC World 2022.

LSAM systems currently can print both horizontal and vertical layers if equipped with the Vertical Layer Print (VLP) option, available on most Thermwood LSAM machines. This new addition adds Angle Layer Printing (ALP) to the VLP option. Angle Layer Printing is the ability to print at a 45° angle. 

This adds maximum print flexibility to the LSAM line of systems. Each print orientation has advantages and limitations for a particular part design. Offering all three on the same machine, for the first time, means maximum print flexibility. All print orientations use the complete LSAM print head including exclusive LSAM print features such as the patented compression wheel and Thermal Sensor Layer Automation.

This helps maintain an even layer temperature throughout the print. LSAM automatically adjusts the individual layer temperature to provide for superior layer fusion.

LSAM machines are currently operating in regular daily industrial production with many existing systems already equipped with Vertical Layer Print capability. The Vertical Layer Print (VLP) option has been replaced with a VLP/ALP option on new machines which offers both vertical and angle layer print capability, in addition to the standard horizontal layer print.

Angle Layer Print (ALP) can be easily and inexpensively added to machines operating in the field that already have the VLP option.

Thermwood’s LSAM large scale additive systems are said to be the most widely used large scale composite thermoplastic additive equipment in industrial production today. Many large-scale additive systems installed in the last several years have been Thermwood LSAMs. Processing a variety of reinforced composite polymers from room temperature ABS and PC to high temperature material such as PSU, PESU and PEI, they are used to produce moulds and tools for the aerospace industry, patterns for the foundry industry and for a variety of other unique applications.

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