Powder refill system for 3-dimensional printing
US11413821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A powder refill system for a CBAM process that makes changing a powder container simple and maintains the smallest possible distribution change during the print process. The system automates a constantly low trough powder level during a print and reduces the number of times the powder is recirculated. The system uses a sensor to sense the amount of powder in a tray and a compressed air powder application system to force powder into the system. Powder enters the system from a powder bottle mounted upside-down on a plate with an orifice and mixing chamber and a stainless-steel “aeration stone” This is a fitting with porous walls, where porosity is finer than most of particulate matter of the powder being used. Air can enter through the fitting, broken down into microscopic streams, but powder cannot enter back into the air supplying line. The powder aerosol is then used in the printing/flooding process. A mounting plate allows easy replacement of the powder bottle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.