Method and apparatus for metal solid freeform fabrication utilizing partially solidified metal slurry
US5893404A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S164/90
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for rapidly producing a metal component from partially solidified metal slurry. A source of metal alloy slurry is provided and maintained under conditions to maintain the slurry state, for example by shearing at a temperature between a liquidus and solidus thereof. The slurry is dispensed through a source nozzle and deposited upon a substrate or upon previously dispensed slurry in a predetermined, controlled manner to produce a component of desired geometry. The substrate may be planar or contoured and may comprise an element of the component being produced. A temperature, pressure or chemical composition controlled deposition environment may be provided to facilitate producing a component having desired characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.