Inverted laser sintering systems for fabrication of additively-manufactured parts

US11648734B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US

Inventors

• John Whitehead · New York, US
• Hod Lipson · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 7, 2020
• Grant date: May 16, 2023
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2040

Classification

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

Abstract

Provided is an additive manufacturing process that uses an upward-pointing illumination source, such as a laser, projected through a substrate so as to solidify particulate matter supported by the substrate. The process is then repeated to build a hanging part layer by layer, for example by replenishing particulate matter on the substrate, or by moving the part a second substrate that supports other particulate matter. The disclosed process eliminates the need for a large powder bed and also allows for sintering of different powders in a single layer so as to give rise to parts that include layers that are themselves made from multiple materials. Also provided are related methods, include methods of incorporated cured resins into parts made by fusing particulate matter.