Three dimensional printing method and apparatus using an inclined fluid jet
US9522522B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/251
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for fabricating a solid article by three-dimensional printing. A bed of loose solid powder is formed, a fluid dispenser moved parallel to the bed, and a liquid dispensed from the fluid dispenser onto at least a portion of a surface of the powder to form a first printed layer having a first pattern printed thereon. The fluid dispenser includes a printhead inclined at an angle selected from a range of 2 to 20 degrees from vertical with respect to the bed. An apparatus includes a stage, a spreading mechanism to spread layers of loose powder on the stage, and a fluid dispenser disposed above the stage and configured to dispense droplets of fluid that travel in free flight to the stage, the fluid dispenser including a printhead tilted at an angle from 2 to 20 degrees relative to a line perpendicular to the stage surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.