Metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer and method of operation for facilitating build and release of a metal object from a build platform
US11992879B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22C1/0416
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a borate solution application system to apply a borate solution to a build platform surface prior to manufacture of a metal object. The borate solution is permitted to air dry before the platform is heated to its operational temperature range for formation of a metal object on the platform. The evaporation of the solvent from the borate solution causes the borate salt to form a glassy, brittle anhydrous borate layer on which the metal object is formed. This brittle layer is removed relatively easily with the object after the object is manufactured and the build platform is permitted to cool. The borate layer improves the wetting of the surfaces of build platforms made with non-wetting materials, such as oxidized steel, while also preventing metal-to-metal welds with wetting materials, such as tungsten or nickel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.