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Apparatuses, systems and methods for three-dimensional printing

  • US 9,346,127 B2
  • Filed: 06/19/2015
  • Issued: 05/24/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for generating a three-dimensional object, comprising:

  • (a) dispensing a first layer of powder material in an enclosure to provide a powder bed having a first top surface;

    (b) directing an energy beam to the first layer of powder material to generate at least a portion of the three-dimensional object from at least a portion of the first layer;

    (c) dispensing a second layer of powder material in the enclosure, wherein the second layer of powder material comprises a second top surface;

    (d) shearing the second layer of powder material to form a first planar surface, wherein the shearing comprises using a blade or an air knife, wherein the first planar surface is at or below a lowest point of the second top surface; and

    (e) removing substantially all powder material that is above a second planar surface from the second layer of powder material, wherein the removing comprises using vacuum suction, magnetic force, electrostatic force, or gas flow, wherein the second planar surface is located below the first planar surface, wherein the removing occurs in the absence of contacting the powder bed, and wherein during the removing, the first layer of powder material comprises flowable powder material.

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