Apparatus and method to provide conditioning to a deposited powder
US12409605B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2022 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method provide conditioning to a powder deposited on a substrate (e.g., a web), for example, by wetting the powder in a 3D printing apparatus. To achieve this in an exemplary implementation, a wetting apparatus is located between a powder dispenser and at least one top calendering roller in a direction of movement of the substrate, wherein the wetting apparatus is configured to apply a wetting agent to the powder on the substrate before the powder passes through the calendering roller. The wetting agent is comprised of a material which increases cohesiveness of the powder to prevent the powder from adhering to the top roller. In a particular implementation, the wetting agent is steam confined to an area of the substrate where the powder passes through the wetting apparatus, without wetting other areas of the substrate which are not in the wetting apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.