Systems, apparatus, and methods to feed and distribute powder used to produce three-dimensional objects
US7871551B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems, apparatus, and methods feed and distribute a powder over a working area used for producing three-dimensional objects. A powder storage unit contains a supply of powder, and a distribution member is arranged to be moveable across the working area to distribute a portion of powder onto the working area. In an embodiment, the distribution member is, in a first step, moveable a predetermined distance into a supply of powder placed in the powder storage unit, said distance being sufficiently long to bring about a transfer of a portion of powder from the powder supply at one side of the distribution member to another side of the distribution member facing the working area, and the distribution member is, in a second step, moveable towards and across the working area to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.