Apparatus and method to remove powder with flexible scraper blade and adjustable side nozzles
US12263639B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2024 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y50/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method are provided to remove powder from a web, for example, in a 3D printing apparatus. A flexible blade is provided to contact and move across a first portion of the web located between adjacent portions of the web to scrape powder from the first portion without removing powder deposited on the adjacent portions. A pair of edge vacuum nozzles and a central vacuum nozzle are also provided to move with the flexible blade to remove powder from both edges of the first portion and a central region of the first portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.