Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts via rapid pressure change and related systems and methods
US11511350B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described in which powder is separated from parts by creating a large pressure differential between the powder and parts and a nearby location. The pressure differential may cause gas to quickly flow into and/or around the powder and parts, thereby producing a force against the powder and parts. Since the powder is generally much lighter than the parts, this force may be much more effective at moving the powder than moving the parts. As a result, the powder and parts may be separated from one another. The pressure differential may be created in various ways, such as by holding the parts and part in a chamber that is pressurized with air and/or other gas(es). Rapid depressurization of the chamber may produce the aforementioned pressure differential, leading to powder movement away from the parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.