Apparatus and method for thermal normalization in three-dimensional article manufacturing
US5572431A · kind A · utility
36Cited by
26References
61Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0838
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in contact with the surface portions. Thermal energy may also be supplied by a radiation source. The thermal normalization may be performed after a predetermined number of successive layers are dispensed. Related methods are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.