Systems, methods, and apparatuses for printing 3D metallic parts from powder suspensions
US11833586B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) printing method and apparatus are disclosed for freeform fabrication of metal articles. 3D printed articles are formed from a build material comprising metal powder(s), polymer(s), and solvent(s). A coagulation agent, such as a nebulized non-solvent, is disposed onto/about the build material during 3D printing to cause at least partial solidification of the build material to form a green body structure. Multiple build materials can be mixed at a variable ratio to achieve a composition gradient through the green body structure. The 3D printed green body structure can be heated to remove some or all of the polymer, solvent, and/or for debinding. The debinded green body structure can be sintered at a specific sintering temperature or over a temperature gradient, for a period of time, in accordance with the sintering properties of the particular metal powder in the debinded green body structure, to form a finished metal part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.