Metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer and method of operation for facilitating build and release of a metal object from a build platform
US11745265B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a liquid silicate application system to apply liquid silicate to a surface of a build platform prior to manufacture of a metal object. The liquid silicate layer is permitted to air dry and then the platform is heated to its operational temperature range for formation of a metal object with melted metal drops ejected by the apparatus. The liquid silicate layer forms a glassy, brittle layer on which the metal object is formed. This brittle layer is removed relatively easily with the object after the object is manufactured and the build platform is permitted to cool. The silicate layer improves the wetting of the surfaces of build platforms made with non-wetting materials, such as oxidized steel, while also preventing metal-to-metal welds with wetting materials, such as tungsten or nickel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.