Matrix-controlled printhead for an electrochemical additive manufacturing system
US10724146B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25D1/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Printhead for a 3D manufacturing system that uses metal electrodeposition to construct parts; embodiments utilize a grid of anodes to achieve high quality parts with features that may be small and detailed. To support grids with thousands or millions of anodes, the printhead may use matrix control with row and column drivers similar to display backplanes. Unlike display backplanes where the design goal is to display images using minimal current, the printhead may be optimized for high current density for fast electrodeposition, and for anode longevity. Current density may exceed 1000 mA per cm-squared, at least an order of magnitude greater than that of display backplanes. Anode longevity may be enhanced by using relatively large anodes compared to the grid pitch of the printhead, by lengthening the conductive paths through anodes, or both. Embodiments may be constructed by adding anode and insulation layers on top of matrix-controlled switching circuits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.