Print head for additive manufacturing system

Abstract

A print head is disclosed for use with an additive manufacturing system. The print head may include a nozzle having an internal passage and at least one ellipsoidal orifice. The print head may also include a fiber guide disposed at least partially inside the nozzle and dividing the internal passage into a plurality of channels. A length of each of the plurality of channels extends in an axial direction of the nozzle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A print head for an additive manufacturing system, comprising:
 a nozzle having an internal passage and at least one ellipsoidal orifice; and   a fiber guide disposed at least partially inside the nozzle and dividing the internal passage into a plurality of channels,   wherein a length of each of the plurality of channels extends in an axial direction of the nozzle.   
     
     
         2 . The print head of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber guide includes a plurality of radially oriented dividers. 
     
     
         3 . The print head of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of radially oriented dividers are generally planner and have inner edges connected to each other. 
     
     
         4 . The print head of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of radially oriented dividers form a cross-shape. 
     
     
         5 . The print head of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of radially oriented dividers extend radially outward to an annular wall of the internal passage. 
     
     
         6 . The print head of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels includes a center channel and at least one peripheral channel. 
     
     
         7 . The print head of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one peripheral channel includes a plurality of peripheral channels. 
     
     
         8 . The print head of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are open at an outer radial side. 
     
     
         9 . The print head of  claim 1 , further including a rotary actuator configured to rotate the fiber guide. 
     
     
         10 . The print head of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber guide terminates short of the at least one ellipsoidal orifice. 
     
     
         11 . The print head of  claim 10 , wherein ends of the fiber guide at the at least one ellipsoidal orifice are rounded. 
     
     
         12 . The print head of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber guide is removably disposed inside of the nozzle. 
     
     
         13 . The print head of  claim 1 , further including a matrix reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle at an end opposite the at least one ellipsoidal orifice. 
     
     
         14 . A print head, comprising:
 a matrix reservoir;   a nozzle in fluid communication with the matrix reservoir and having an internal passage and at least one ellipsoidal orifice located at an end of the internal passage opposite the matrix reservoir; and   a plurality of radially oriented dividers disposed at least partially inside the nozzle and dividing the internal passage into a plurality of channels,   wherein a length of each of the plurality of channels extends in an axial direction of the nozzle.   
     
     
         15 . The print head of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of radially oriented dividers are generally planner and have inner edges connected to each other. 
     
     
         16 . The print head of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of radially oriented dividers form a cross-shape. 
     
     
         17 . The print head of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of channels includes a center channel and a plurality of peripheral channels. 
     
     
         18 . The print head of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the plurality of radially oriented dividers terminate short of the at least one ellipsoidal orifice; and   ends of the plurality of radially oriented dividers at the at least one ellipsoidal orifice are rounded.   
     
     
         19 . A method of additively manufacturing a composite structure, comprising:
 wetting a plurality of separate reinforcements with a matrix;   directing the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements through a fiber guide inside a nozzle of a print head;   discharging the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements through an orifice of the nozzle;   moving the print head during discharging to create a three-dimensional trajectory in the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements;   exposing the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements to a cure energy after discharge from the nozzle; and   selectively rotating the fiber guide while moving the print head to maintain an orientational relationship between the plurality of separate reinforcements.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further including coalescing the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements prior to discharging the wetted plurality of separate reinforcements through an orifice of the nozzle.