Method and apparatus for increasing the resolution in additively manufactured three-dimensional articles
US9079248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12028
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for increasing the resolution when forming a three-dimensional article through successive fusion of parts of a powder bed, said method comprising providing a vacuum chamber, providing an electron gun, providing a first powder layer on a work table inside said vacuum chamber, directing an electron beam from said electron gun over said work table causing the powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a first cross section of said three-dimensional article, providing a second powder layer on said work table, directing the electron beam over said work table causing said second powder layer to fuse in selected locations to form a second cross section of said three-dimensional article, reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pressure level to a second pressure level between the providing of said first powder layer and said second powder layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.