Laser consolidation methodology and apparatus for manufacturing precise structures
US6504127B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/50
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser consolidation methodology and apparatus for manufacturing precise three dimensional structures are disclosed. In the disclosed process, a plurality of beams of laser energy are arranged to impinge a circular area on a substrate, at an angle in the range of 25° to 30° to the normal to the substrate, melting a hemispherical region of the substrate. Powdered material is supplied to the melted region of the substrate in a direction substantially normal to the substrate. The rate of material feed is controlled so that the added material melts and forms together with underlying material a molten zone maintained spherical under the influence of surface tension. The substrate is moved relative to laser beams and material feed at a controlled rate so as to create a ridge of desired shape on the substrate, the top surface of which has a semicircular cross-section. Subsequent passes re-melt a thin layer of the ridge and further material is injected and melted so that the height of the ridge is increased by a precise amount, creating a uniform wall having smooth sides.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.