Metal drop ejecting three-dimensional (3D) object printer and method of operation for forming metal support structures
US12109656B2 · kind B2 · utility
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20Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is configured to increase the oxidation of ejected melted metal drops for the formation of metal support structures during manufacture of a metal object with the apparatus. The oxidation can be increased by either increasing a distance between the ejector head and a platform supporting the metal object or by providing an air flow transverse to the direction of movement of the melted metal drops, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.