Powder distribution system for three-dimensional printer
US11691334B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatuses for distributing build powder in powder-layer three-dimensional printers (2) and for the collection of particulates of the build powder that have become suspended in the gaseous atmosphere in the vicinity of the build platform of the three-dimensional printer. These apparatuses include recoaters (20) that are particularly useful in providing uniform distribution of fine build powder across the width of the build platform or powder bed. The present invention also includes powder-layer three-dimensional printers (2) which comprise such apparatuses for distributing build powder and/or apparatuses for collecting such suspended particulates. The improved fine powder recoater (20) uses an ultrasonic transducer (30) to move powder through a sheet screen (28). The sheet screen (28) may be presented to the powder fed onto it in a narrow dispensing slot to limit the flow rate of powder from the dispenser and to provide control over the amount of powder dispensed. The width of the slot may extend to cover the entire build box fill zone. The ultrasonic transducer (30) is preferably adapted to periodically sweep through a range of frequencies during …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.