Mold shape deposition manufacturing
US6375880B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/757
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of making molded parts employing Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM) techniques. First, SDM processes are used to make a layered structure having support segments and mold segments. The support segments are made of material which may be removed from the mold segments (e.g. dissolved or melted). The mold segments are made of a material which can function as a mold. The mold and support segments are sequentially deposited (e.g. in layers) and shaped (e.g. machined) to form a mold. The support segments define the shape of the part to be manufactured. The mold segments are removed from the support segments by dissolving or melting away the support segments, leaving an empty mold. Then, part material is cast into the empty mold. The mold is removed, providing a molded part. The part material can be a gelcasting slurry, for example. The present method provides homogeneous or heterogeneous parts having shapes which are accurately defined by the SDM process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.