Methods and apparatus for three-dimensional printed composites based on flattened substrate sheets
US10377106B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/67
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 3D object according to the invention involves substrate layers infiltrated by a hardened material. The 3D object may be fabricated by a method comprising the following steps: Flatten a substrate layer. Position powder on all or part of a substrate layer. Repeat this step for the remaining substrate layers. Stack the substrate layers. Transform the powder into a substance that flows and subsequently hardens into the hardened material. The hardened material solidifies in a spatial pattern that infiltrates positive regions in the substrate layers and does not infiltrate negative regions in the substrate layers. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is carbon fiber and excess substrate is removed by abrasion. Flattening a substrate layer involves reducing planar inconsistencies or imperfections, and comprises applying heat to each substrate layer, cooling the substrate layers, and optionally applying tension and/or pressure to the heated and cooled substrate layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.