Device and method for cleaning an orifice in a metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) metal object
US11839916B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
2References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with an orifice cleaning system that removes metal drops that have adhered to a plate, an orifice in the plate, and a nozzle ejecting melted metal drops through the orifice during object forming operations. The orifice cleaning system includes an orifice cleaning tool that consists essentially of a soft carbon material, such as graphite. The orifice cleaning tool is configured with a handle that is gripped by an articulated arm to move the orifice cleaning tool against the plate, the orifice, and a portion of the nozzle at the orifice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.