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Durability Of Hybrid Large Area Additive Tooling For Vacuum Infusion Of Composites, Nathan Joseph Northrup

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to scientifically validate potential cost-saving measures for production of large area additively manufactured tooling for vacuum infusion of composites. These cost saving measures included using a hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing system to fabricate the mold, requiring lower capital cost and creating shorter lead times. Fiberglass reinforcement was used instead of carbon in the mold material. The validation was done by designing and fabricating a mold for a custom test artifact and analyzing the surface geometry over the course of multiple infusions until tool failure.After printing and machining, the mold required a sealer in order to …