Metering build material in three-dimensional (3D) printing using a tool
US11931767B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A metering apparatus and corresponding method meter a powder material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system. The metering apparatus comprises a hopper with walls configured to contain a powder material, a metering roller, and a tool. The metering roller is located beneath an opening of the hopper. The metering roller and a given wall of the walls of the hopper are spaced apart by a gap therebetween at the opening; the gap in combination with rotation of the metering roller causes the powder material to flow from under the given wall of the hopper at a substantially predictable rate. The tool is positioned at the given wall where the flow emerges and is configured to force the powder material off of the metering roller to supply the 3D printing system with the powder material for printing a 3D object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.