Three-dimensional printing apparatus and methods of manufacture including sterilization or disinfection, for example, using ultraviolet light
US7445441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2791/005
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention includes a three-dimensional printing (3DP) machine that has at least one ultraviolet (UV) light source directed at powder or slurry being processed by the 3DP machine and/or directed at any of various surfaces or machine components, in a manner suitable to kill or damage microorganisms to a desired extent. The UV light sources may be either stationary or movable, and may be either pulsed or substantially continuous, and may operate in any desired sequence and timing with respect to other operations performed by the machine. The invention may include ultraviolet illumination in such a way as to interact with powder to sterilize or disinfect powder either while the powder is stationary or, alternatively, as powder is being moved from one place to another within the 3DP machine, or both. The invention also includes methods of performing three-dimensional printing using such illumination. The invention also includes the combination of other methods of sterilization or disinfection with the use of ultraviolet light. The invention also includes the use of ultraviolet light sources for a combination of polymerization/cross-linking in addition to sterilization/disinfection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.