Powder distribution system for three-dimensional printer
US11691335B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2040 |
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 powder-layer three-dimensional printers (2) having a discrete supply hopper (340) and a recoater (20). The discrete supply hopper (340) is configured to transfer a build powder to the recoater (20) in a manner that enhances the uniformity of build powder layers that are dispensed from the recoater (20). In some embodiments, at least one of the discrete supply hopper and the powder hopper of the recoater is adapted to selectively contact the other, seal against the other, and/or have one partially inserted inside the other so as to diminish or prevent powder pluming during the transfer of build powder from the discrete supply hopper to the recoater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.