Additive manufacturing apparatus and methods
US10933620B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention concerns an additive manufacturing apparatus for building a part by selectively consolidating flowable material in a layer-by-layer process comprising a build chamber (101) for building the part, a module (105, 106) for providing a focussed energy beam for consolidating flowable material in the build chamber, a gas flow circuit for generating a gas flow through the build chamber (101). At least one filter assembly (200, 201) may be arranged in the gas flow circuit, the or each filter assembly (200, 201) having associated therewith a valve (V-4, V-8) operable to seal the gas circuit upstream from the filter assembly (200, 201) and a valve (V-5, V-9) operable to seal the gas flow circuit downstream of the filter assembly (200, 201), the arrangement allowing a filter element (E-5, E-7) of the filter assembly (200, 201) to be changed whilst maintaining a controlled atmosphere in the build chamber (101). The apparatus may further comprise a purging device (210) configured to purge air from the or each filter assembly (200, 201) when the valves (V-4, V-5; V-8, V-9) associated with that filter assembly (200, 201) have sealed the filter assembly (200, 201) from the gas flow.…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.