Patent · US Expired

Ion fusion formation process including precise heat input and temperature control

US7301120B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
17References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 30, 2005
Grant dateNov 27, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 2, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K10/027
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An ion fusion formation method is used to manufacture a component from successive layers of feedstock material. A plasma stream is created by energizing a flowing gas using an arc electrode, the arc electrode having a variable magnitude current supplied thereto. The plasma stream is directed to a predetermined targeted region, and the feedstock material is introduced into the plasma stream to produce a pool of molten feedstock in the predetermined targeted region, the molten feedstock being produced at a temperature determined in part by parameters of the variable magnitude current. Prior to introducing the feedstock material into the plasma stream, optimal molten feedstock parameters may be determined for producing the layers of feedstock material. Feeding parameters by which the feedstock material will be introduced into the plasma stream are then adjusted in view of the determined optimal molten feedstock parameters.

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