The Boeing Company
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING LAYER-TO-LAYER BOND STRENGTH

Abstract:

Methods of forming a part via additive manufacturing include depositing a first layer of thermoplastic material along a first path via an extruder head, initiating deposition of a second layer of thermoplastic material along a second path via the extruder head, and monitoring a thermal profile of the first layer along the first path while the second layer is deposited. Methods also include determining an energy that is sufficient to raise a present temperature of a cooled portion of the first layer to within a higher temperature range that is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold temperature, and heating the cooled portion of the first layer to within the higher temperature range before the second layer of thermoplastic material is added to the cooled portion. Systems include an extruder head configured to deposit a plurality of layers of thermoplastic material, a thermal imaging system, and a heating system.