Metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer and method of operation for forming support structures in 3D metal objects
US11890674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2022 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F12/90
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A metal object manufacturing apparatus is configured to eject melted metal drops to form a continuous metal line over a line of spatially separated pillars in a single pass. The ejection frequency for forming the continuous metal line is different than the frequency used to form the pillars. In one embodiment, the ejection frequency for forming the pillars is about 100 Hz and the frequency used to form the continuous metal line over the line of spatially separated pillars is about 300 Hz with a drop spacing of about 0.2 mm. Continuous metal lines are formed to extend the continuous metal lines over the pillars laterally to fill the gaps between the continuous metal lines over the pillars. These continuous metal lines that fill the gaps are formed while operating the ejection head at the 300 Hz frequency with a drop spacing of 0.28 mm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.