Additive manufacturing apparatus and system with vacuum assembly, and method of using the same
US11117219B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is provided an AM apparatus for an AM process. The AM apparatus has an AM assembly with a build chamber to support part(s) built with a powder, in a build operation. Unused powder accumulates in the build chamber during the build operation. The AM apparatus has a vacuum assembly with duct line(s) in flow communication with the build chamber, and a powder receptacle in flow communication with the duct line(s). The powder receptacle has coupling member(s) allowing the powder receptacle to be reversibly attached to the duct line(s). The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum apparatus coupled to, and in flow communication with, the powder receptacle, via vacuum duct line(s). The vacuum assembly pulls the unused powder from the build chamber to the powder receptacle, and provides an automated removal of the unused powder from the build chamber into the powder receptacle, to avoid manual removal of the unused powder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.