Additive manufacturing systems and methods including rotating binder jet print head

US11618216B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Juan Pablo Cilia · Delmar, US
• John P. Davis · Greer, US
• William Thomas Carter · Galway, US
• Jared Micheal Iverson · Tremonton, US
• Michael Robert Tucker · Austin, US
• Michael Evans Graham · Evanston, US
• Edward James Nieters · Burnt Hills, US
• Christopher James Kenny · Schoharie, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2020
• Grant date: Apr 4, 2023
• Expiry date: Aug 31, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P10/25
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An additive manufacturing system includes a build platform, a particulate dispenser assembly configured to dispense or remove particulate to or from the build platform, and a plurality of print heads each having at least one binder jet. The binder jets are configured to dispense at least one binder in varying densities onto the particulate in multiple locations to consolidate the particulate to form the component with a variable binder density throughout. The system also includes a plurality of arms extending at least partially across the build platform and supporting the print heads and at least one actuator assembly configured to rotate the print heads and/or the build platform about a rotation axis and move at least one of the print heads and the build platform in a build direction perpendicular to the build platform as part of a helical build process for the component.