Powder reclamation and cleaning system for an additive manufacturing machine
US11396135B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An additive manufacturing machine (910) includes a build unit (920) comprising a powder dispenser (906) including a hopper (1004) for receiving a volume of additive powder (1006). A powder supply system (1000) includes a powder supply source (1010) for providing additive powder (1006) into the hopper (1004) during a refill process. A powder reclamation system (1002) includes a vacuum pump (1030) coupled to a vacuum duct (1034, 1036) defining a suction inlet (1040) positioned for collecting misdirected additive powder (1006) dispensed during the refill process. A return duct (1038) includes a filter mechanism (1050) may filter and return the collected additive powder (1006) back to the powder supply source (1010) for reuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.