Metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer and method of operation for forming metal support structures
US11931799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 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 a movable directed energy source to melt hardened metal drops and form an oxidation layer. A metal support structure can be formed over the oxidation layer, an object feature can be formed over the oxidation layer, or both a metal support structure and an object feature can be formed over oxidation layers located at opposite sides of a metal support structure. The oxidation layers weakly attach the metal support structure to the object feature supported by the metal support structure so the support structure can be easily removed after manufacture of the object is complete.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.