ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN SITU STRESS RELIEF
First Claim
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1. An additive manufacturing process comprising:
- detecting stress within a part during fabrication within a defined workspace;
pausing fabrication steps responsive to a detected stress being within a predetermined range;
performing a stress relieving process on the part within the same workspace in which fabrication is performed; and
restarting part fabrication on the part within the defined work space once the stress relieving process is complete.
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Abstract
An additive manufacturing process performed by an additive manufacturing machine includes strain gauges that detect stress within a part during fabrication within a defined workspace. When the detected stress is exceeds a desired level the fabrication steps are paused and a stress relieving process is performed within the chamber without moving the part. The additive manufacturing machine includes heaters and coolers for changing the temperature within the chamber to perform the desired stress relieving process in the same space as fabrication is performed. Once it is confirmed that stresses within the part are within acceptable limits the part fabrication process is resumed.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An additive manufacturing process comprising:
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detecting stress within a part during fabrication within a defined workspace; pausing fabrication steps responsive to a detected stress being within a predetermined range; performing a stress relieving process on the part within the same workspace in which fabrication is performed; and restarting part fabrication on the part within the defined work space once the stress relieving process is complete. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An additive manufacturing device comprising:
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a workspace defining an area for part fabrication; a powder application device for spreading a powder within the workspace; an energy transmitting device for generating a molten area of powder for forming a layer of a part; a sensor mounted within the workspace that detects stresses within a part during fabrication; and a stress relieving appliance supported proximate the workspace for relieving stress built up in the part during fabrication within the workspace. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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10. The additive manufacturing device comprising a resistance heater disposed proximate the workspace for heating the workspace to a temperature determined to reduce stresses built up in the part.
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11. The additive manufacturing device wherein the workspace includes walls and the resistant heater is supported within the walls of the workspace.
Specification