Foil interaction device for additive manufacturing
US11707883B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y50/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a support plate and a foil supporting an uncured layer of a resin. A stage is configured to hold a component of one or more cured layers of the resin. One or more actuators is operable to move the stage away from the support plate in a Z-axis direction. A radiant energy device is positioned opposite the stage such that the support plate is positioned between the radiant energy device and the stage. A foil interaction device includes a first pneumatic actuation zone and a second pneumatic actuation zone. Each of the first and second pneumatic actuation zones is configured to apply a force on a surface of the foil. The first and second pneumatic actuation zones are fluidly separable and configured to apply varied pressures relative to one another to the surface of the foil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.