Using occluding fluids to augment additive manufacturing processes
US11986994B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to the use of occluding fluids, such as a high-density fluid (a “z-fluid”) or a low-density fluid (an “a-fluid”), to displace resin within a vat during 3D printing. Further, an a-fluid may act as a protective boundary for a 3D printing resin wherein the a-fluid sits on top of the printing resin. Another embodiment of the disclosure provides a process of assessing which regions of a computer-aided design (CAD) model take advantage of a buoying force supplied by the occluding fluid, such that fewer support structures are needed for printing a final CAD model compared to printing the CAD model without the occluding fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.