Usage of a witness mark to distinguish support structure from part
US9539764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2230/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A component includes a support structure made with an additive manufacturing process with a first end and a second end, and an object made with an additive manufacturing process with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the object is attached to the second end of the support structure. A cross-sectional area of the first end of the object is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the support structure. A method of making an object, the method includes manufacturing a support structure with an additive manufacturing process. An object is manufactured on top of and connected to the support structure with an additive manufacturing process, wherein there is a witness mark created between the support structure and the object. The witness mark is identified. The object is separated from the support structure along the witness mark.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.