Patent · US Expired

Molding method, apparatus, and device including use of powder metal technology for forming a molding tool with thermal control elements

US6224816A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
15References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 17, 1998
Grant dateMay 1, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 17, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB33Y80/00
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Tool having a molding surface is formed from a flowable material (e.g., powder material) wherein the shape of molding surface is formed from a molding process using a master pattern having a surface with a shape substantially the same as the shape of the molding surface to be formed. The tool has at least one thermal control element located within it and spaced from the molding surface where a component used in forming the thermal control element is located within the flowable material prior to solidifying the material. The powder material is preferably a mixture of metals. The thermal control elements include fluid flow paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, and the like.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.