Novel Wire Bending Manufacturing System for Performance Driven 3D Structures (RFT-563)

Invention Summary

Even with the progress in 3D printing techniques, there are very few alternatives for producing 2D or 3D lattices for use as support structures in objects needing to be lightweight, strong, and flexible. There is currently no manufacturing system that can bend a linear material rapidly, in multiple axes, in multiple and diverse configurations, and with any size diameter linear material. Researchers at NDSU have developed a novel automatic metal wire bending (AMWB) machine to manufacture performance-driven 3D lattice structures. This manufacturing system overcomes the several drawbacks in the current 3D manufacturing processes and provides a 3D solid appearing structure with desired characteristics. The process is simpler and faster; the resulting scaffolds undergo periodic and/or non-periodic shape conforming during manufacturing itself, omitting the need for any additional shape conforming steps.

Benefits

Simpler, faster, automated process
Cost-effective
Linear material bending
Bending in multiple axes and configurations
Customizable sizing of materials
Controllable properties like heterogeneity, topology-based progressivity, aperiodicity, etc.

Phase of Development

This technology has successfully completed laboratory testing with reproducible results

Applications

Biomedical devices
Porous prosthetics
Drone manufacturing
Building and roofing solutions
Automotive components
Cooling blocks for electronics
Protective gear
Defense applications

Patents

This technology is subject of US Patent 11,752,534 and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.

Contact

NDSU Research Foundation
info(at)ndsurf(dot)org
(701)231-8173

NDSURF Tech Key

RFT, 563, RFT563

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