Methods and apparatus for additive manufacturing along user-specified toolpaths
US10737441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2119/18
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One or more input/output devices accept user-inputted path instructions that specify a set of multiple deposition paths for an extruder to travel. An actuator actuates motion of the extruder along a trajectory that includes each of the deposition paths and also includes multiple non-deposition paths. For each deposition path: (a) the user-inputted path instructions specify a thickness of an object; and (b) the extruder extrudes the object in accordance with fabrication instructions computed by a computer based at least in part on the thickness. As the extruder moves over the entire trajectory, the extruder extrudes a set of objects, one object per deposition path. The objects adhere to each other to form an integral 3D structure. In some cases, the objects include functionally graded material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.