Gas shielding structure for use in solid free form fabrication systems
US7741578B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A solid free form fabrication (SFF) system and method is used to fabricate a three-dimensional structure in a continuous manner from successive layers of feedstock material. The system includes a gas shielding structure that is configured to protect a targeted region from oxidation. The system further includes a positioning arm coupled to the deposition head and moveable to align the deposition head with a targeted region of the three-dimensional structure and a plurality of control components coupled to the positioning arm for controlling a position of the positioning arm and operation of the deposition head. The gas shielding structure is formed as either a parallelepiped structure or a half disc structure and may be conformable to at least one surface of the three-dimensional structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.