Apparatus and method for producing parts with multi-directional powder delivery
First Claim
1. A method for delivering powder to a target area at a surface in an apparatus in the production of parts by an additive process, comprising:
- lifting a first volume of powder above said surface at a first location on a first side of said target area;
moving a member across said target area from beyond said first location so that a first layer of powder is delivered across said target area;
performing said additive process to selected portions of said first layer of powder at said target area;
lifting a second volume of powder above said surface at a second location on a second side of said target area;
after said performing step, moving said member across said target area from beyond said second location so that a second layer of powder is delivered across said target area; and
performing said additive process to selected portions of said second layer of powder at said target area.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for producing parts by fusing selected portions of a layer of powder at a target area, including the systems for delivering the powder to the target area, is disclosed. Multiple powder pistons are included in the apparatus, each of which lift a volume of powder above a surface in an alternating manner relative to one another. Powder delivery begins by the lifting of a volume of powder at a first location on one side of the target area. A counter-rotating roller moves across the lifted powder, distributes it over the target area, and rests beyond a second powder lifting location on the other side of the target area. Portions of the powder layer are then fused at the target area according to a cross-section of the part to be produced, and is followed by lowering a part cylinder at the target area in order to accept the next layer of powder. A second volume of powder is lifted at the second location, and the counter-rotating roller moves across the second location and the target area to deliver the next layer of powder to the target area. The multiple powder piston system reduces the excess powder in the chamber, speeds the delivery of powder, and facilitates the installation of powder during the process.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for delivering powder to a target area at a surface in an apparatus in the production of parts by an additive process, comprising:
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lifting a first volume of powder above said surface at a first location on a first side of said target area; moving a member across said target area from beyond said first location so that a first layer of powder is delivered across said target area; performing said additive process to selected portions of said first layer of powder at said target area; lifting a second volume of powder above said surface at a second location on a second side of said target area; after said performing step, moving said member across said target area from beyond said second location so that a second layer of powder is delivered across said target area; and performing said additive process to selected portions of said second layer of powder at said target area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13)
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10. In an apparatus for producing parts from powder, said apparatus including a target area at which an additive process is performed to produce a part, the powder delivery system comprising:
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a plate, having first and second openings therethrough on first and second sides of said target area; a first powder piston, located below said first opening, for pushing a volume of powder through said first opening above the surface of said plate; a second powder piston, located below said second opening, for pushing a volume of powder through said second opening above the surface of said plate; and means for distributing powder from above said first powder piston to said target area, and from above said second powder piston to said target area. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus for producing parts at a target area at which an additive process is performed, comprising:
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a chamber, having a target area at which said additive process is performed, and having a first opening through its bottom on a first side of said target area; means for fusing selected portions of a layer of powder at said target area; a first powder piston assembly, located below said first opening, for pushing a volume of powder through said first opening into said chamber, comprising; a removable powder cartridge having a movable bottom; means for receiving said cartridge into said first powder piston assembly; and means for moving the bottom of said cartridge, said moving means engaged by said cartridge when received by said receiving means; and means for distributing powder from above said first powder piston to said target area. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification