Systems and methods for electrophotography-based additive manufacturing of parts
US10792908B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/1695
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a method of producing a 3D part using an electrophotography-based additive manufacturing system, a plurality of layers of a powder-based material are developed using at least one electrophotography (EP) engine. The developed layers are transferred to a transfer medium. The layers on the transfer medium are dried by heating the layers without fully fusing the powder-based material to itself using a dryer. This reduces a water content of the layers. The dried layers are heated on the transfer medium to at least a fusion temperature, at which the power-based material fuses together, using a pre-transfusion heater. The dried layers are then transfused together on a build platform using a transfusion assembly to build the part in a layer-by-layer manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.