Multiple-material prototyping by ultrasonic adhesion
US6450393B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1075
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional part from a plurality of planar layers using an ultrasonic welder. A sheet of planar material is placed on the partial part and ultrasonically welded, with the first sheet placed on a base. The sheet is cut to the shape of the partial part. The process of placing of the sheet materials on the partial, welding, and cutting of the two-dimensional contour layer is continued until part is complete. In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional part has layers of different material. The materials can be layers of incompatible materials for ultrasonic welding in which voids are created through interposed non-compatible materials for ultrasonic welding, to allow ultrasonic welding of compatible material layers spaced by a sheet of incompatible material. In a preferred embodiment a component, such as a thermal actuator; a optical component; an internal sensor; a plurality of electronic elements, or a mechanical actuator for creating a actively deformable part, is introduced between layers of material of the part. The method described allows the introduction of components which are sensitive to manufacturing temperatures. A pressur…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.