Indiana Patent of the Month – May 2023
Thermwood Corporation is a well-known innovator in the field of additive manufacturing and 3D printing techniques. Traditional 3D printing processes have some major disadvantages, including limited part size and slow processing time. To overcome these challenges, Thermwood has introduced its latest invention, a large-scale additive manufacturing system (LSAM) that can print parts up to 100 feet long.
The new system uses a unique technology called “Vertical Layer Printing,” which allows for the creation of much larger parts by stacking printed layers vertically instead of horizontally. This technology also enables faster processing times by printing thicker layers and eliminating the need for trimming or machining operations.
With the new system, Thermwood has demonstrated the ability to print parts with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, making it ideal for industries that require large-scale, precision components, like the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.
In the 1970s, Thermwood was the first company to develop and offer for sale a CNC control system. Shortly after that, Thermwood developed the very first CNC router in the world. Still today, much of the core technology found in modern CNC controls and CNC routers originated at Thermwood.
Thermwood’s LSAM (pronounced L-Sam) represents the industry leading technology for large scale 3D printing of thermoplastic polymers. The system can process parts from virtually any thermoplastic composite material including high temperature materials that are ideal for molds and tooling that must operate at elevated temperatures. Their recently patented process showcases how Thermwood’s commitment to innovation has kept them at the forefront of the industry.
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