A hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing approach for multi-material components
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Abstract
This research introduces a hybrid additive and subtractive method for producing multiple material components consisting of metal and polymer regions. The method expands the notion of hybrid beyond multiple processes, to include multi-materials, taking advantages from each process and material. An AMBIT PE-1 polymer screw extrusion tool has been integrated into a HAAS machining center, bringing large scale additive manufacturing in-envelope with subtractive manufacturing. In this thesis, the effect of cooling time on the ability to reproduce overhanging geometry and on the strength of the interlayer bonding is investigated. This evaluation provides the baseline needed to evaluate the strength of the material transition. A mechanically interlocking root structure is developed to join regions of dissimilar materials into a single component. Two geometries of this root structure are evaluated for their mechanical strength. This method of creating a mechanical bond between substrates can be applied in hybrid additive and subtractive applications where dissimilar materials have limited chemical compatibility. Expanding the material capabilities of hybrid manufacturing enables a future of rapid manufacturing where a wide range of complex components can be produced on a single piece of hardware without the need for part-specific tooling.