Process for removing loose powder particles from interior passages of a body
US5490882A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A technique for removing loose powder from the interior surfaces of ceramic molds made using layer manufacturing processes, such as three dimensional printing processes. The interior of a mold can be filled with liquid, such as water, which is boiled by applying microwave energy of a frequency selected to heat the liquid. The particles are entrained in the flow caused by the boiling liquid. Alternatively, fine particles are introduced into the mold and the mold is agitated to dislodge the particles and the powder so that they can be poured out of the mold. Such technique tends also to remove the surface finish of the mold. Any of the particles which remain can be dissolved in a liquid and removed in the liquid from the mold. Further, the surface finish of the mold can be improved by casting a slip of fine particles onto the surface to form a generally level, and preferably non-conformal, coating on the surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.