Method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article
US11247274B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2017 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for forming at least one three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed. The apparatus comprises a powder distributor configured for evenly distributing a layer of powder on top of a build table; an energy beam configured for fusing the powder layer in selected locations corresponding to the cross section of the three-dimensional article, the powder distributor comprises an elongated rod provided movable at a predetermined distance above the powder table and with its central axis in parallel with a top surface of the powder table, and a flexible foil attached onto the elongated rod and protruding from the rod towards the powder table; and an elongated device parallel with the powder distributor and arranged onto or over the powder table outside the build table, where the elongated device is arranged for mechanically touching the flexible foil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.