Automated de-powdering with robotically controlled vacuum
US10500789B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for de-powdering one or more objects within a powder print bed comprises a build box configured to contain the powder print bed, and a de-powdering subsystem configured to engage the build box. The de-powdering subsystem comprises a vacuum device configured to withdraw loose powder agitated by the air jet device, and a robotic arm configured to convey the vacuum device to one or more locations on the powder print bed. The system may further comprise an air jet device disposed on the robotic arm, the air jet device configured to agitate, with a jet of air, unbound powder within the powder print bed. The system may further comprise a mechanical agitation instrument configured to facilitate agitation of the unbound powder within the powder print bed. The mechanical agitation instrument may be used in conjunction with one or both of the vacuum device and the air jet device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.