Apparatus for generating and dispensing a powdered release agent
US10105876B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C64/40
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus 20 and a method 100 for generating and dispensing a powdered 60 release agent during an additive manufacturing build is disclosed. A solid body 28 of release agent material is ground insitu by a grinder 50 and dispensed on a surface of the part 72 to prevent adhesion of an adjacent layer of a base material 70. With the addition of the powdered 60 release agent, a support structure 76 is easily separated from the base material 70 when the part 72 is complete, saving time and preventing the part 72 from sustaining unintentional damage. Since no powdered 60 release agent is actually loaded or stored in the apparatus 20, the potential for spillage, waste, inconsistent dispensing, inadvertent dispensing, and clumping due to humidity is eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.