Method and apparatus for volumetric manufacture of composite objects

US10639847B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy · US

Inventors

• Andrew J. Birnbaum · Washington, US
• Athanasios Iliopoulos · Bethesda, US
• John C. Steuben · Leonardtown, US
• John G. Michopoulos · Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 23, 2018
• Grant date: May 5, 2020
• Expiry date: Nov 30, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29K2105/0058
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for volumetric manufacture of three-dimensional physical objects from a precursor material based on plans, specifications, or virtual models. A build domain is provided comprising an enclosed three-dimensional wire grid in which the wires are connected to one or more electric power sources configured to controllably and addressably apply power to one or more individual wires to cause the wires to dissipate heat produced by Joule heating to the surrounding precursor material situated within the build domain, and to further allow for the control of the three-dimensional heat distribution and accordingly temperature distribution within the build domain. By activating and deactivating one or more predetermined subsets of the wires in the build domain, the precursor can be caused to melt and/or solidify so as to form a three-dimensional object within the build domain.