ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING APPARATUSES WITH REMOVABLE BUILD BOXES AND LID MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article having successive layers of a powder material, which layers correspond to successive cross-sections of the three- dimensional article includes a process chamber that includes a process chamber floor having an opening therethrough, the opening defining a part processing area and a lid management system. The lid management system includes an actuator including a movable arm that moves between retracted and extended positions and a machine lid connected to the movable arm. The machine lid is sized and configured to sealingly engage a perimeter of the opening of the process chamber floor with the movable arm in the extended position.

EFFICIENT BULK UNFUSED POWDER REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD

An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1 ) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.

LIQUID EXTRACTION

According to one aspect, there is provided a method of removing liquid from a build chamber containing build material and liquid. The method comprises starting a liquid extraction process to extract liquid from the build chamber, and determining when a predetermined threshold of liquid has been removed from the build chamber, and thereby stopping the liquid extraction process.

Shot Brush Depowdering

A method of de-powdering green parts manufactured via binder jetting additive manufacturing. First, a bulk de-powdering operation is conducted on the green part. Next, a fine de-powdering operation is conducted on the green part. The fine de-powdering operation includes disposing the green part within a bed of shot brush de-powdering media and agitating the bed of shot brush de-powdering media to remove from at least one surface of the green part an amount of build material powder.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADDITIVE METAL CASTING

A mold construction system is presented for use in additive manufacturing of a metal object. The system comprises: at least one mold provision device controllably operable to form one or more mold regions defining one or more respective object regions in a production layer, and configured to receive molten metal deposited to each object region; and a control system operating each mold provision device in accordance with a predetermined building plan. The mold provision device, in accordance with said predetermined building plan, creates each mold region of each production layer with at least one metal-facing zone configured to define at least one cavity forming the object region to receive the molten metal therein. The metal-facing zone comprises a predetermined arrangement of spaced-apart sites of relatively weak mechanical properties relative to spaces between said sites within said mold material. The arrangement of the spaced-apart sites is selected in accordance with properties of the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AFTER-TREATING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED PARTS

The invention relates to methods and apparatus (10) for processing one or more additively manufactured (AM) parts and/or a powder cake containing one or more AM parts. The method comprises: locating one or more AM parts and/or a powder cake containing one or more AM parts in a processing chamber (12); providing processing media in the processing chamber (12); and creating a swirling flow path for said processing media within the processing chamber (12) for impacting the one or more AM parts and/or powder cake with the processing media. The method/apparatus can be used to efficiently remove powder from AM parts/powder cakes and/or alter surface properties of AM parts.

METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF CAKE RESULTING FROM ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

A machine and a method for treating cakes (20) from additive manufacturing processes, wherein the cake (20) contains residual powders and sintered pieces (25), The machine (10) comprises a cylindrical vibrating body (21) which is placed in a position above a vibratory finishing (100) or tumbling or vibro-blasting machine (vibroblast) and is separated from said vibratory finishing (100) or tumbling or vibro-blasting machine by a remotely operable door (70), and wherein said cylindrical vibrating body (21) obtains its vibration from the machine (100) below, wherein said machine comprises means for destructuring the cake (20) in order to obtain the separation of the non-sintered powder from the sintered pieces (25) present in the cake (20) and means for recovering the powder resulting from the destructuring of the cake (20).

Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts via rapid pressure change and related systems and methods

Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described in which powder is separated from parts by creating a large pressure differential between the powder and parts and a nearby location. The pressure differential may cause gas to quickly flow into and/or around the powder and parts, thereby producing a force against the powder and parts. Since the powder is generally much lighter than the parts, this force may be much more effective at moving the powder than moving the parts. As a result, the powder and parts may be separated from one another. The pressure differential may be created in various ways, such as by holding the parts and part in a chamber that is pressurized with air and/or other gas(es). Rapid depressurization of the chamber may produce the aforementioned pressure differential, leading to powder movement away from the parts.

Binder jetting apparatus and methods

A binder jet printing apparatus (10), along with methods of its use, is provided. The binder jet printing apparatus (10) may include: a job box (18) having a actuatable build plate (46) therein; a supply box (54) having a bottom platform (56) that is actuatable within the supply box (54); a print system including at least one print head (32) connected to a binder source (38) and configured to apply a pattern of binder onto an exposed powder layer (42) over the build plate (46) of the job box (18); a recoat system (16) including a recoater configured to move from the supply box (54) to the job box (18) to transfer powder from the supply box (54) to the job box (18) so as to form a new powder layer (48) over the build plate (46) of the job box (18); and a cure system (14) configured to direct electromagnetic radiation onto the job box (18).

SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING A WELD ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PART WITH GRANULAR SUPPORT

The invention is a system for and method of manufacturing metallic parts through weld arc additive manufacturing with conductive granular media as support, to manufacture parts which have overhangs, hollow sections, a plurality of openings, a geometry having a discontinuous structure when formed by additive manufacturing steps that is joined, or a combination of geometries known in the art of manufacturing that could heretofore only be produced by cutting and assembling a variety of different parts. The system and method of the invention contemplate use of conductive granular media support material which may become at least partially incorporated in, or part of, a final part produced using the system or method of the invention.

Method for manufacturing material layer, method for manufacturing three-dimensional object, material-layer-forming apparatus, and additive manufacturing system

A method for manufacturing a material layer includes a first step S101 of arranging first particles P1 in a pattern on a base material 11 and a second step S102 of arranging second particles in regions in which the first particles P1 are not arranged on the base material 11. The second step S102 includes a step of rubbing bearing materials S2 that carry the second particles P2 against the base material 11 on which the first particles P1 are arranged.

RESTRAINING OBJECTS

According to one example, there is provided apparatus for restraining objects during a powder and object separation process. The apparatus comprises a base plate comprising a set of spatially arranged apertures, a set of rods, each rod slidable within a corresponding aperture of the base plate. The base plate is to connect with a chamber to contain a volume of powder and objects to be separated and the apparatus is configured such that, when the apparatus is connected to a chamber containing a volume of powder and 3D objects the set of rods are positionable in, or are slideable into, a position extending vertically away from the chamber, and as powder is removed from under each rod, the rods are to slide through the apertures.

POWDER REMOVAL SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A powder removal assembly includes a build module comprising module sidewalls and a moveable build plate slidably coupled to the module sidewalls, and an extraction housing removably engaged with the module sidewalls of the build module and defining a turbulence chamber between the build module and the extraction housing. The extraction housing includes one or more sidewalls comprising one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extending through the one or more sidewalls and a top wall coupled to the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewall fluid flow channels extend from a position proximate a base of the one or more sidewalls to the top wall.

Continuous automatic operation method and operation system for multiple 3D printing devices

The invention provides a continuous automatic operation method and system for multiple 3D printing devices, and belongs to the technical field of additive manufacturing, the continuous automatic operation system comprises no less than one 3D printing unit, no less than one cleaning unit and no less than one substrate standby unit, and the 3D printing units, the cleaning units and the substrate standby units are arranged at proper intervals and neatly arranged in rows; and the transfer system is used for enabling the closed transfer cabin to move transversely, longitudinally and up and down. In the prior art, after a construction bin is moved away, a closed inert gas environment in a printing bin is damaged, during reprinting, the printing bin needs to be subjected to gas washing again, continuous printing cannot be achieved, in the process that the construction bin is moved away from the printing bin and arrives at a piece taking bin, the upper portion is open, full-closed inert gas protection ...

METHOD FOR PREVENTING DAMAGES DUE TO RESONANCE DURING THE CLEANING OF AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT, AND CLEANING DEVICE

Metal powder 3D printer capable of removing powder in overturning mode

The invention relates to a 3D printer, in particular to a metal powder 3D printer capable of removing powder in an overturning mode. A metal powder 3D printer capable of removing powder in an overturning mode comprises a printer shell, a controller, a moving assembly and a printing assembly, the controller is installed on the printer shell, the moving assembly is installed on the upper portion in the printer shell, the printing assembly used for printing a model is installed on the moving assembly, and two pipes are connected to the printing assembly. The two pipes penetrate through the printer shell, and the moving assembly and the printing assembly are electrically connected with the controller. Air is pumped and supplied through the draught fan and then blown out of the air outlet shell to clean the model, powder on the model does not need to be manually cleaned, and under the action of the overturning mechanism, the electric sliding rail drives the model to move, the model can be overturned ...

METHODS FOR REMOVING LOOSE PARTICLES FROM AN OBJECT BUILT BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Methods for removing an object from powder after forming the object in an additive manufacturing apparatus are provided. The method may include: positioning a cover over a build platform with the object being positioned within a powder; removing the build platform from the additive manufacturing apparatus with the cover positioned over the build platform; and thereafter, removing the powder from the build platform to expose the object.

Additive manufacturing method for making holes bounded by thin walls in turbine components

A method of forming a passage in a turbine component includes: using an additive manufacturing process to form a first support structure on a first surface of the turbine component; forming a second support structure on a second surface of the turbine component, the second support structure being spaced apart from the first support structure; and forming a passage in the turbine component between the first and second support structures.

ELECTROCHEMICAL CLEANING OF AN ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED PART

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR SEPARATING EXCESS MATERIAL FROM AN ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT

FUNNEL-SHAPED CONVEYOR DEVICE AND A CONVEYOR-SEPARATING METHOD FOR A COMPONENT PARTICLE MATERIAL MIXTURE

Eine trichterförmige Fördervorrichtung (1), mit der Bauteile und loses Partikelmaterial einer Bauteil-Partikelmaterial-Mischung eines additiven Herstellungsverfahrens förderbar und trennbar sind weist eine siebartige Förderfläche (10), die sich in der Fördervorrichtung zwischen einem Fördereinlass (5) und einem Förderauslass (7) der Fördervorrichtung erstreckt und angepasst ist, um schwingungsgetrieben die Bauteil-Partikelmaterial-Mischung zu transportieren und in Bauteile und loses Partikelmaterial zu trennen, einen Schwingungsantrieb (S), mit dem die Fördervorrichtung (1) in Schwingungen versetzbar ist, und mindestens einen zwischen dem Fördereinlass (5) und dem Förderauslass (7) und in Schwerkraftrichtung unterhalb der siebartigen Förderfläche (10) angeordneten Trichterauslass (20) sowie mindestens eine in Richtung eines Trichterauslasses (20) geneigte Zufuhrebene, die in Schwerkraftrichtung unterhalb der Förderfläche angeordnet ist, um loses Partikelmaterial dem Trichterauslass zuzuführen ...

METHOD FOR AVOIDING RESONANCE DAMAGE DURING CLEANING OF AN AT LEAST PARTLY ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT, CLEANING DEVICE, MASS ELEMENT AND SYSTEM

FUNNEL-SHAPED CONVEYOR DEVICE AND A CONVEYOR-SEPARATING METHOD FOR A COMPONENT PARTICLE MATERIAL MIXTURE

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UNPACKING 3D PRINTED OBJECTS

A method for making an article by additive manufacturing

A method of making an article 1 by simultaneously building the article 1 and an electrode 9 which extends along a passage 8 within the article 1 by additive manufacturing using an electrically conductive material, supplying an electrically conductive fluid in the passage 8 and passing an electric current between the electrode 9 and a wall of the passage 8, thereby removing lose particles from the passage walls, smoothing the passage walls or coating the passage walls. (I.e. electrochemical etching, anodisaton and electrical discharge machining). Supports 10 which space the electrode 9 from the passage walls 22 are formed at the same time as the article 1 and electrode 9 and are removed before application of the current. Insulators can be used to hold the electrode 9 in place while the current is applied.

Methods for removing loose particles from an object built by additive manufacturing

Methods for removing an object from powder after forming the object in an additive manufacturing apparatus are provided. The method may include: positioning a cover over a build platform with the object being positioned within a powder; removing the build platform from the additive manufacturing apparatus with the cover positioned over the build platform; and thereafter, removing the powder from the build platform to expose the object.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing

Described herein are methods and systems for printing a three-dimensional object. In an example, a method for printing a three-dimensional object can comprise: (i) a metallic build material being applied; (ii) a binder fluid being applied on at least a portion of the metallic build material; (iii) the selectively applied binder fluid can be flash fused to bind the metallic build material and the selectively applied binder fluid by application of an energy flux having an energy density of from about 0.5 J/cm2to about 20 J/cm2for less than about 1 second. In the example, (i), (ii), and (iii) can be repeated at least one time to form the three-dimensional object. The binder fluid can comprise a liquid vehicle and polymer particles dispersed in the liquid vehicle.

IMPROVED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Metal 3D printing systems for using sand as supports

A 3-dimensional printing system for manufacturing a part is provided. The system includes a building platform having a deposited pattern of metal powder, a sand dispensing nozzle selectively supplying sand to the building platform, a binder dispensing nozzle selectively supplying binder material to the building platform, a robotic arm supporting one or more of the sand dispensing nozzle and the binder dispensing nozzle, the robotic arm moving the one or more of the sand dispensing nozzle and the binder dispensing nozzle, and a processor controlling the robotic arm to position the one or more of the sand dispensing nozzle and the binder dispensing nozzle relative to the deposited pattern of metal powder and control the sand dispensing nozzle and the binder dispensing nozzle to supply powdered sand and binder, respectively, based on a Computer Aided Drafting file associated with the part.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRICATION APPARATUS AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL FABRICATION METHOD

A three-dimensional fabrication apparatus includes a fabrication section, a liquid discharge unit, a housing, and a gas replacer. The fabrication section forms a powder layer with a fabrication material in a fabrication area. The liquid discharge unit discharges a fabrication liquid onto the powder layer to form a fabrication layer. The housing has an internal space accommodating at least one of the fabrication section or the liquid discharge unit. The gas replacer to generate and supply a laminar flow of a predetermined gas other than an air into the internal space of the housing to replace an ambient gas in the internal space from the air to the predetermined gas.

COLD PLATE DESIGN FEATURES AMENABLE FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING POWDER REMOVAL

METHOD OF EDGE PRINTING FOR USE IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Various embodiments provide a method (100) of additively manufacturing a part (200) including depositing a layer of a powder (22) on a working surface (32), depositing a binder solution (36) on the layer of the powder (22) at first locations, and depositing a sintering aid solution (54) on the layer of the powder (22) at second locations. The sintering aid solution (54) comprises a sintering aid (56) in a solvent. In various embodiments, the sintering aid (56) enables an increased brown strength as compared to parts containing unbound powder (22). The method enables binders that provide high green strength to be used at the edges of the part (200), while also balancing a shortened debind time with an increased brown strength. Embodiments in which binder solution (36) is deposited according to a predetermined pattern at second locations are also described.

EFFICIENT BULK UNFUSED POWDER REMOVAL SYSTEM AND METHOD

An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1 ) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.

METHOD FOR AVOIDING RESONANCE DAMAGE DURING CLEANING OF AN AT LEAST PARTLY ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT, CLEANING DEVICE, MASS ELEMENT, AND SYSTEM

The invention is directed to a method for cleaning powder residues of an additive layer build-up method away from an at least partly additively manufactured component by a cleaning device, wherein a machine plate and the component arranged thereon are excited to mechanical oscillation during a cleaning process by a vibration actuator of the cleaning device with a set resonant frequency of the machine plate. According to the invention, before the cleaning process is carried out, a resonant frequency of the machine plate is set to the set resonant frequency by an arrangement of a mass element on a securing element of the machine plate.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING APPARATUSES WITH REMOVABLE BUILD BOXES AND BUILD BOX MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article having successive layers of a powder material, which layers correspond to successive cross-sections of the three-dimensional article includes a process chamber comprising a process chamber floor and a build box management system. The build box management system includes an intake conveyor that receives a build box and an elevated conveyor that engages the build box at a location above a bottom of the build box.

Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts and related systems and methods

Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described. The techniques utilize various mechanisms to separate powder from parts. For instance, techniques for depowdering described herein may include fabrication of auxiliary structures in addition to fabrication of parts. Certain auxiliary structures may aid with depowdering operations, and may be fabricated along with parts during an additive fabrication process. The auxiliary structures may be shaped and/or have positional and/or geometrical relationships to the parts during fabrication. For instance, an auxiliary structure may include a cage structure fabricated around one or more parts.

Powder Bed Recoater

A system for recoating a powder bed includes a build platform holding a powder bed and an electrode assembly including an electrode and an insulating shield. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. The electrode assembly is positionable over the powder bed, such that when the electrode assembly is over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and the powder bed's top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder of the powder bed top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY OF AN UNPACKING DEVICE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEVICE, UNPACKING DEVICE HAVING A CONTAINER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TYPE, AND MANUFACTURING DEVICE

A container assembly (1) of an unpacking device for a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional component (9) by the selective solidification of pulverous build material (build-material powder) comprises: - a build container (2), which has a build space (8); and - a collecting container (3), which is detachably connected to the build container (2) and has a collecting space (30). The build container (2) has a container cover (12) for the build space (8), which container cover, when closed, seals off the build space (8) and an inert atmosphere contained in the build space from the surroundings. Outside of the build container (2), a collecting-container-side part (31) of an interior (32) of the container assembly (1) is provided within the container assembly (1). By means of an opening device (4) for the container cover (12) of the build container (2), which opening device can be actuated from outside the interior (32) of the container assembly (1), the closed ...

DEVICE FOR CLEANING THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPONENTS MADE OF ADHESIVE POWDER PARTICLES, SAID COMPONENTS BEING PRINTED IN A POWDER BED

The disclosure provides for cleaning three-dimensional (3D) components printed in a powder bed from adhering powder particles. The 3D-printed components are cleaned with a negative pressure-induced volumetric flow. The 3D-printed components are first removed from the powder bed after their manufacture, then positioned on a feed device and moved together with the feed device into a pressure-tight sealable chamber. In the interior of the chamber negative pressure is subsequently built up and a fluid volumetric flow is applied to the 3D-printed component to be cleaned which results in the powder particles being detached from the 3D-printed component. The powder particles are removed from the sealed chamber in a pressure tight manner via at least one channel conduit which is subjected to negative pressure and are fed to a separation device. The chamber is subsequently released of pressure and then opened for removal of the cleaned 3D-printed component.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE METAL CASTING

A mold construction system is presented for use in additive manufacturing of a metal object. The system comprises: at least one mold provision device controllably operable to form one or more mold regions defining one or more respective object regions in a production layer, and configured to receive molten metal deposited to each object region; and a control system operating said at least one mold provision device in accordance with a predetermined building plan. The mold provision device is controllably operable, in accordance with said predetermined building plan, to create each mold region, in each production layer, with one or more metal-facing zones and one or more metal-nonadjacent zones around the metal-facing zone. Each metal-facing zone is configured to define a cavity forming the object region to receive the molten metal therein, and is configured with higher compressibility relatively to at least a sub-zone of the metal-nonadjacent zone.

Removal of excess build material in additive manufacturing

A three-dimensional (3D) printer and method of additive manufacture are disclosed. The method includes building a three-dimensional (3D) object via a 3D printing process. After the 3D printing process, the 3D object is contained within a cake comprising the 3D object and partially fused excess build material. The method further includes vibrating the cake to loosen the excess build material. The frequency of the vibration is swept across a predetermined range of frequencies over a predetermined sweep interval.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A METAL ALLOY PART FOR A TURBINE ENGINE

A method for manufacturing a metal alloy part for an aircraft turbine engine, the method including the steps of: (a) producing a blank of the part by additive manufacturing by laser fusion on a powder bed, and (b) abrasively machining the blank to obtain the part, the machining being carried out by vibratory finishing by immersing the blank in an abrasive composition contained in a tank subjected to a vibratory movement, the abrasive composition having an abrasive element formed by alumina particles, a carrying element formed by copper particles, and a liquid.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOVING EXCESS POWDER FROM COMPONENTS PRODUCED BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The present invention refers to a method and a corresponding device for removing a cake of powder from a component made by an additive manufacturing process, the process comprising applying a flow of pressurized gas to the component, wherein a plurality of particles of a solid cryogen are included in the flow of pressurized gas. Such a process substantially eliminates the risk of a dust explosion occurring during the removal of the cake of powder.

Surgical implant and methods of additive manufacturing

A method of manufacturing a surgical implant includes simultaneously forming a first component and a second component of the surgical implant. Formation of the first and second components includes depositing a first quantity of material to a building platform and fusing the first quantity of material to form a first layer of the first and second components. The method of manufacturing also includes depositing a second quantity of material over the first layer of the first and second components and fusing the second quantity of material to form a second layer of the first and second components. The surgical implant is fully assembled upon the completion of the formation of the first and second components.

METHOD OF EDGE PRINTING FOR USE IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Various embodiments provide a method (100) of additively manufacturing a part (200) including depositing a layer of a powder (22) on a working surface (32), depositing a binder solution (36) on the layer of the powder (22) at first locations, and depositing a sintering aid solution (54) on the layer of the powder (22) at second locations. The sintering aid solution (54) comprises a sintering aid (56) in a solvent. In various embodiments, the sintering aid (56) enables an increased brown strength as compared to parts containing unbound powder (22). The method enables binders that provide high green strength to be used at the edges of the part (200), while also balancing a shortened debind time with an increased brown strength. Embodiments in which binder solution (36) is deposited according to a predetermined pattern at second locations are also described.

TECHNIQUES FOR DEPOWDERING ADDITIVELY FABRICATED PARTS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described. The techniques utilize various mechanisms to separate powder from parts. For instance, techniques for depowdering described herein may include fabrication of auxiliary structures in addition to fabrication of parts. Certain auxiliary structures may aid with depowdering operations, and may be fabricated along with parts during an additive fabrication process. The auxiliary structures may be shaped and/or have positional and/or geometrical relationships to the parts during fabrication. For instance, an auxiliary structure may include a cage structure fabricated around one or more parts.

METHOD FOR PREVENTING DAMAGES DUE TO RESONANCE DURING THE CLEANING OF AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT, AND CLEANING DEVICE

The invention is directed to a method for cleaning a component from powder residues of an additive layering method using a cleaning device, wherein a machine plate and the component arranged thereon are excited during a cleaning process by a vibration actuator of the cleaning device with a set resonance frequency of the machine plate to carry out a mechanical vibration. It is provided that the machine plate is excited by predefined vibration movements of the at least one vibration actuator to the predefined mechanical vibration, wherein the predefined vibration movements of the at least one vibration actuator occur in parallel to a main plane of the machine plate. The invention also relates to a cleaning device for cleaning an at least partially additively manufactured component, in particular a component of a turbomachine.

FREEZING METHOD FOR CLEANING AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PART

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING OF SILICON NITRIDE AND METAL COMPOSITES

Methods and systems for manufacturing a component are disclosed. The method for manufacturing a component typically comprises blending a silicon nitride powder and a titanium alloy powder to form a combined powder; receiving the combined powder within a build chamber having a platform and a laser beam source configured to produce a laser beam; spreading a plurality of layers of the combined powder over the platform; fusing at least a portion of the combined powder in each of the plurality of layers using the laser beam, wherein each one of the plurality of layers is spread and the portion of the combined powder fused before another one of the plurality of layers is spread, wherein the laser beam is automatically guided by a 3D model of the component; and removing the combined powder that was not fused.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING FABRICATED OBJECT

System for washing a 3D-printed object

A system (1) for washing a 3D-printed object (4). The system (1) has a washing device (2) and a workpiece (3) that includes the 3D-printed object (4). The washing device (2) has a container (7) that forms a process chamber (8) for receiving a liquid cleaning agent (9), and the container (7) has an inlet (10) into the process chamber (8). The workpiece (3) further has a support structure (6) that supports the 3D-printed object (4) and a base (5) supporting the support structure (6). The base (5), in a mating relationship with the inlet (10), forms a restraint preventing the workpiece (3) from passing through the inlet (10) in a situation in which the workpiece (3) is placed with the 3D-printed object (4) located within the process chamber (8).

THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRODUCING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND CURING LIQUID AND KIT FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT FORMATION

A three-dimensional object producing method including: forming a powder material layer with a powder material for three-dimensional object formation, where the powder material includes a base material and a resin including a reactive functional group; and applying a curing liquid to the powder material layer to form a cured product, where the curing liquid contains a curing agent capable of forming a covalent bond with the reactive functional group, wherein the curing agent includes an aliphatic compound having two or more isocyanate groups at a molecular terminal thereof.

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING MATERIAL LAYER, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT, MATERIAL-LAYER-FORMING APPARATUS, AND ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

A method for manufacturing a material layer includes a first step S101 of arranging first particles P1 in a pattern on a base material 11 and a second step S102 of arranging second particles in regions in which the first particles P1 are not arranged on the base material 11. The second step S102 includes a step of rubbing bearing materials S2 that carry the second particles P2 against the base material 11 on which the first particles P1 are arranged.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FIXTURE

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING METAL PARTICLE LEAKAGE FROM ADDITIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTED PARTS

A method is provided for mitigating metal particle leakage from a three-dimensional printed part (68). The method includes providing an additively manufactured part manufactured out of one or more materials, and the one or more materials comprise a metal. The method also includes applying a coating (70) over surfaces of the additively manufactured part to keep metal particles from leaking from the additively manufactured part.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING 3D MODELED OBJECT

A method of manufacturing a 3D modeled object includes modeling including applying a modeling solution (10) to powder (20) laid in layers, hardening the powder (20) to which the modeling solution (10) applied to form modeling layers (30), and sequentially stacking the modeling layers (30) to form a 3D modeled object; and immersing the 3D modeled object modeled at the modeling in a removal solution to remove the powder (20) to which the modeling solution (10) is not applied. At the modeling, the modeling solution (10) is applied such that a density of the modeling solution (10) in an inside (124) of the 3D modeled object is smaller than a density of the modeling solution (10) in a surface (123) of the 3D modeled object and an area of the powder (20) to which the modeling solution (10) is applied and an area of the powder (20) to which the modeling solution (10) is not applied are alternate in the inside of the 3D modeled object.

SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING WITH A HANDLING UNIT AND CLEANING HEAD

The disclosure relates to a system for additive manufacturing, in particular by means of Direct Energy Deposition, comprising a working chamber (18), a housing (16), which delimits the working chamber (18), at least one application head (46) for dispensing a construction material, a handling unit (24, 324) with a receptacle (40, 340), and an integrated cleaning system (60) with at least one cleaning head (62, 100), the at least one cleaning head (62, 100) being movable in the working chamber (18) by the handling unit (24, 324) in order to clean at least the working chamber (18) or a component (58). The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method.

Additive manufacturing with vibration-isolating interface

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, an additive manufacturing build unit is described. The additive manufacturing build unit includes a vibrating bed on which a volume of build material is to be disposed. The bed is to vibrate to remove excess build material. A non-vibrating frame of the build unit supports the vibrating bed. The build unit also includes a bed-frame interface to: couple the vibrating bed to the non-vibrating bed frame, and isolate vibrations to the vibrating bed. A flexible seal of the build unit is disposed between the vibrating bed and non-vibrating frame. The flexible seal prevents build material from contaminating an additive manufacturing system in which the additive manufacturing build unit is disposed and allows relative motion between the vibrating bed and the non-vibrating frame.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING METAL PARTICLE LEAKAGE FROM ADDITIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTED PARTS

A method is provided for mitigating metal particle leakage from a three-dimensional printed part. The method includes providing an additively manufactured part manufactured out of one or more materials, and the one or more materials comprise a metal. The method also includes applying a coating over surfaces of the additively manufactured part to keep metal particles from leaking from the additively manufactured part.

TREATMENT AND DE-POWDERING PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR ADDITIVELY FORMED COMPONENTS

Creating a breakaway region

An apparatus is disclosed to create a breakaway junction for 3D printed parts. Powder is spread along a target zone, such as a build bed. A liquid functional agent is selectively dispensed upon the powder to form a 3D object, a supporting part, and the breakaway junction between them.

Selective laser melting additive manufacturing complex inner runner treatment device and method

The invention relates to a selective laser melting additive manufacturing complex inner flow channel treatment device and method.The selective laser melting additive manufacturing complex inner flow channel treatment device comprises a mechanical arm, a fixing clamp, a vibration device and a surface treatment device, an additive workpiece is installed on the fixing clamp through a base plate, and an inner flow channel of the additive workpiece is connected with the surface treatment device through a pipeline to conduct surface treatment on the inner flow channel; the fixing clamp is arranged at the tail end of the mechanical arm, the mechanical arm is used for swinging of the additive workpiece, and the vibration device is arranged on the fixing clamp and used for vibration of the additive workpiece. The mechanical arm is used for swinging the additive part, and the vibration device is used for vibrating the additive part, so that when the additive part is subjected to surface treatment ...

POST-PROCESSING OF AN OBJECT OBTAINED BY DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING

The present invention relates to a method and a system for treating a surface of an object obtained by direct metal laser sintering. The object is sintered from a metal powder with a grain size distribution. Due to the manufacturing process, the object can comprise a rough surface with remaining grains of the metal powder attached to the surface. The method according to the present invention provides parameters for post-processing the object to achieve a smooth surface suitable for use in medical imaging systems.

SUBSTRATE PLATE FOR AN INTERCHANGEABLE CONTAINER, INTERCHANGEABLE CONTAINER AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UNPACKING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT PRODUCED ON A SUBSTRATE PLATE OR IN THE INTERCHANGEABLE CONTAINER BY SELECTIVE SOLIDIFYING OF A BUILDING MATERIAL IN POWDER FORM

The invention relates to a substrate plate for an interchangeable container, to an interchangeable container and to a method and an apparatus for unpacking a three-dimensional object produced on a substrate plate or in the interchangeable container by selective solidifying of a building material in powder form, wherein at least one actuator (22) which is excitable with vibrations by means of a generator (29) can be frictionally or interlockingly connected to the substrate plate (16) or to the transfer element (31) fastened to the substrate plate (16).

WASTE COLLECTION AND ABATEMENT DURING HYBRID ADDITIVE AND SUBTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING

An assembly for controlling waste material during a hybrid subtractive and additive manufacturing process is disclosed, including a machining tool held in a holder, a shroud disposed around the machining tool, and one or more ports configured to create a negative pressure within the shroud. A method of constraining waste material during a hybrid subtractive and additive manufacturing process of a part includes adding an amount of material to a part being additively manufactured, transforming the amount of material that was added, manipulating a tool to machine a portion of the part being additively manufactured and generating a waste material, sealing a portion of the tool and covering a portion of the part with a shroud, and applying a negative pressure to create an airflow to prevent the waste material from exiting the shroud.

A PROCESSING MACHINE FOR AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING BUILD ASSEMBLY

A glove box machine for recovery of unfused powder from a build assembly removed from an SLM installation after completion of a build cycle, comprising a housing (12) with a volume defined by at two parts (22, 24) with a support device (32) adjustably mounted in relation to one housing part (22). The housing parts are relatively movable for the build assembly to be received within the volume and secured by a build plate (28) of the assembly on the support device. One housing part has at two glove ports with a fitted glove (40) whereby the hands of an operator can be inserted to perform within the housing tasks required for recovery of the unfused powder. The support device is movable to enable adjustment of the orientation of the build assembly to facilitate powder recovery from the build assembly.

Sled configurations and methods of operation for the manufacture of three-dimensional objects

Apparatus (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from a powder, the apparatus (1) comprising: a build bed (201) having a build area (190), wherein successive layers of said three-dimensional object are formed in the build bed (201); a powder distribution sled (300) operable to distribute a layer of powder within the build area (190), the powder distribution sled (300) being driveable in a first direction along a first axis, across the build area (190), and driveable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the first axis; and a print sled (350) operable to deposit a pattern of fluid onto the layer of powder within the build area (190) to define the cross section of said object in said layer, the print sled (350) being driveable in the first direction along a second axis across the build area, and driveable in the second direction along the second axis; wherein the first axis is parallel to, or coaxial with, the second axis; wherein the print sled (350) comprises ...

Fluid nozzles with heat shielding

A method includes forming a fluid conduit inside a heat shield in an additive manufacturing process, wherein a fluid nozzle is defined at a downstream end of the fluid conduit, and wherein the heat shield is formed about the fluid nozzle. The method includes removing powder from an interior passage of the fluid conduit and fluid nozzle and from an insulation gap defined between the heat shield and the fluid conduit and fluid nozzle. The method includes separating the heat shield, fluid conduit, and fluid nozzle from the build platform. The method includes shifting the fluid conduit and fluid nozzle to a shifted position relative to the heat shield, and securing the fluid conduit and fluid nozzle to the heat shield in the shifted position.

METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR SEPARATING EXCESS MATERIAL FROM AN ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED COMPONENT

In order to separate excess material (WS) from an additively manufactured component (BT), spatially resolved structural data (CAD) on the component (BT) are received. On the basis of the structural data (CAD), a cavity (H) of the component (BT) is divided by a virtual spatial grid (G) into grid cells (GZ), wherein a spatial orientation of the grid (G) relative to the component (BT) is specified by an orientation specification (RA). On the basis of the orientation specification (RA), a discrete grid (R) of spatial orientations of the component (BT) is determined. Furthermore, the grid cells (GZ) of the cavity (H) are simulatively filled with virtual material (VWP). On the basis of the structural data (CAD), an emptying process of the virtual material (VWP) from the component (BT) for spatial orientations limited to the discrete grid (R) is then simulated, wherein a temporal sequence of orientations (AP(1),...,AP(N)) limited to the discrete grid (R) is then determined. According to the simulated ...

System and method for repairing high-temperature gas turbine blades

A blade for a gas turbine includes a removed portion space, and further includes an airfoil portion defining the removed portion space, the airfoil portion formed from a base material, and a replacement component formed to fill the removed portion space. The replacement component is formed from a material that includes 50%-80% base material, 0%-30% braze material, and 0%-8% aluminum. A braze joint is formed between the airfoil portion and the replacement component to attach the replacement component to the airfoil portion and fill the removed portion space.

OBJECT CLEANING

According to one aspect, there is provided a method of cleaning a 3D object on a platform. The method comprises generating with a cleaning module a cleaning airflow to remove powder particles from a 3D object and an extraction airflow to extract any removed powder particles, determining a quantity of powder particles in the extraction airflow, and moving the cleaning module relative to the platform based on the determined quantity of powder particles.

System and method for repairing high-temperature gas turbine components

A method of forming a component includes mixing a powdered base material and a binder to define a mixture, forming the mixture into a desired shape without melting the base material, removing the binder from the desired shape to define a skeleton, the volume of the skeleton being between 80 percent and 95 percent base material, and infiltrating the skeleton with a melting point depressant material to define a finished component, the finished component having less than one percent porosity by volume.

DECAKING 3D PRINTED PARTS

In one example, a decaking system for 3D printing includes a platform to support multiple green parts in unbound powder surrounding the green parts, a decaking tool to remove unbound powder from around the green parts, a camera to photograph green parts on the platform as unbound powder is removed from around the green parts, and a controller operatively connected to the camera. The controller is programmed to detect a pattern of light intensity in the photographs and, in response to a determination a detected pattern matches a reference pattern, modulate or stop the decaking tool.

MATERIAL MANIPULATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing systems, apparatuses, software, and methods for safe production of at least one requested 3D object, and for passivation of material accumulated on a filter of the 3D printing system.

Powder bed fusion apparatus and methods

A powder bed fusion apparatus for building an object in a layer-by-layer manner includes a build platform movable within a build sleeve to define a build volume, a layer formation device for forming layers of powder across the build volume in a working plane and an irradiation device for irradiating powder in the working plane to selectively fuse the powder. The powder bed fusion apparatus further includes a mechanical manipulator arranged to engage with the object and/or a build substrate, to which the object is attached, to tilt the object in a raised position above the working plane such that powder is freed from the object and deposited at a location above the working plane and/or into the build volume.

MATERIAL MANIPULATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing systems, apparatuses, software, and methods for safe production of at least one requested 3D object, and for passivation of material accumulated on a filter of the 3D printing system.

MATERIAL REMOVAL SYSTEM

A three-dimensional printer is described, wherein the three-dimensional printer comprises a build unit and a material removal unit. The build unit is configured to generate a three dimensional object. The material removal unit comprises a housing, a plurality of gas inlets and outlets, a plurality of valves and a control unit. The housing is sealed to the build unit and is configured to house a cake comprising the generated three dimensional object. The valves are configured to open and close the inlets and outlets, and the control unit is configured to control the valves, to allow gas to flow from different inlets to different outlets in different flow paths, in order remove powder from the object.

Additive manufacturing with nanofunctionalized precursors

Some variations provide a process for additive manufacturing of a nanofunctionalized metal alloy, comprising: providing a nanofunctionalized metal precursor containing metals and grain-refining nanoparticles; exposing a first amount of the nanofunctionalized metal precursor to an energy source for melting the precursor, thereby generating a first melt layer; solidifying the first melt layer, thereby generating a first solid layer; and repeating many times to generate a plurality of solid layers in an additive-manufacturing build direction. The additively manufactured, nanofunctionalized metal alloy has a microstructure with equiaxed grains. Other variations provide an additively manufactured, nanofunctionalized metal alloy comprising metals selected from aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, titanium, magnesium, zinc, silicon, lithium, silver, chromium, manganese, vanadium, bismuth, gallium, or lead; and grain-refining nanoparticles selected from zirconium, tantalum, niobium, titanium, or oxides ...

EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR SUPPORT REMOVAL APPARATUS

An improved exhaust system and method for an apparatus that removes support material from additively manufactured parts is disclosed. The apparatus includes an enclosed chamber in which the additively manufactured parts are placed. A heated detergent fluid is sprayed at the additively manufactured parts. The improved exhaust system exhausts heated air from the chamber. The improved exhaust system includes an exhaust channel having an inlet end open to the chamber through which heated air from the chamber is caused to flow. Relatively cooler air is caused to flow across the outside of the exhaust channel. When the heated air from the chamber encounters the exhaust channel across which the relatively cooler air is caused to flow, evaporated fluids in the heated air condense and fall back into the chamber. The improved exhaust system can be retrofitted onto older models of the support removal apparatus that do not have the improved exhaust system.

POROUS METALLIC MATERIAL

Decaking 3D printed parts

In one example, a decaking system for 3D printing includes a platform to support multiple green parts in unbound powder surrounding the green parts, a decaking tool to remove unbound powder from around the green parts, a camera to photograph green parts on the platform as unbound powder is removed from around the green parts, and a controller operatively connected to the camera. The controller is programmed to detect a pattern of light intensity in the photographs and, in response to a determination a detected pattern matches a reference pattern, modulate or stop the decaking tool.

REMOVAL OF EXCESS BUILD MATERIAL IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

A three-dimensional (3D) printer and method of additive manufacture are disclosed. The method includes building a three-dimensional (3D) object via a 3D printing process. After the 3D printing process, the 3D object is contained within a cake comprising the 3D object and partially fused excess build material. The method further includes vibrating the cake to loosen the excess build material. The frequency of the vibration is swept across a predetermined range of frequencies over a predetermined sweep interval.

Self-terminating etching interfaces using iodine-based chemistries

A method is provided to remove a selective amount of material from a metal component fabricated by additive manufacturing in a self-terminating manner. The method can be used to remove support structures and trapped powder from a metal component as well as to smooth surfaces of a 3D printed metal component. In some embodiments, selected surfaces of the metal component are treated to make the selected surfaces at least one of mechanically and chemically unstable. The unstable portion of the metal support can then be removed chemically, electrochemically, or through vapor-phase etching. The method can be used for processing any fluid or vapor-accessible regions and surfaces of a 3D printed metal component.

MATERIAL MANIPULATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF CAKE RESULTING FROM ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Forming method of metal composite structural part

The invention discloses a forming method of a metal composite structural part, belongs to the technical field of metal composite structural part manufacturing, and solves the technical problems of long processing period and high cost of a composite structural part to at least a certain extent. The forming method of the metal composite structural part comprises the steps of three-dimensional model establishment, part supporting structure design, model data decomposition, model layer-by-layer printing and part dust removal treatment. The molded part obtained after integral molding is good in appearance quality and free of the defects of cracking, protruding, bending and the like, meanwhile, due to the fact that the molded part is integrally machined and molded, the machining process steps of the composite structural part are reduced, the production cycle of the composite structural part is shortened, and the production cost of the composite structural part is reduced.

POWDER REMOVAL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF REMOVING UNBOUND PARTICLES USING POWDER REMOVAL ASSEMBLIES

A powder removal assembly for removing powder from a part produced by additive manufacturing, including a process chamber including an outlet, a powder removal device coupled to the process chamber and configured to remove particles from the process chamber, a particle sensor coupled to the outlet, the particle sensor being configured to monitor an amount of particles passing through the outlet as a function of time, and a control system communicatively coupled to the particle sensor and the powder removal device. The control system is configured to automatically activate and deactivate the powder removal device in response to a change in a rate of the amount of particles passing through the outlet as a function of time, passing a threshold value.

3D PRINTER WITH RESIDUAL POWDER REMOVAL DEVICE

Provided is a 3D printer having a residual powder removal device, including: a cabinet configured to form an exterior and protect a plurality of parts embedded therein, a chamber configured to form a printing space where a 3D part is formed by being irradiated with a laser from a laser irradiator inside the cabinet, a concentration measurer configured to measure a concentration of metal powder scattered inside the chamber, a powder transfer unit configured to transfer the metal powder from inside the chamber, and a residual powder removal device configured to spray an inert gas into the chamber to forcibly scatter cohered metal powder, discharge the metal powder scattered inside the chamber to the outside along with the inert gas, and cause the metal powder to pass through a filter assembly so that the metal powder is filtered and the residual metal powder is removed from inside the chamber.

SPIRAL SHEET PRODUCT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME VIA ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

The present disclosure generally relates to a method of manufacturing a spiral sheet product via an additive manufacturing process, the method comprising: obtaining an electronic file representing a geometry of the spiral sheet product; and controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture, via the additive manufacturing process, the spiral sheet product according to the geometry specified in the electronic file. The geometry of the spiral sheet product comprises: a geometric model of a spiral body revolving around a longitudinal axis, the spiral body comprising spiral sections repeating along the longitudinal axis; each spiral section comprising unit cells repeating along a spiral length of the spiral section; and each unit cell comprising a geometric pattern, such that the repetitive geometric pattern functionalizes the spiral sheet product that is arrangeable into a flat sheet product that is larger than a build chamber of the additive manufacturing apparatus.

Electrochemical cleaning of an additively manufactured part

A method for removing powder from a component or part produced by metal additive manufacturing systems based on powder beds. The method includes manufacturing a part by additive manufacturing, the part having at least one internal cavity with at least one external opening. The internal cavity is at least partly filled with powder, the powder in the internal cavity having grains agglomerated or connected to each other. The method further including: evacuating gas from the internal cavity; adding liquid electrolyte to the internal cavity, and using an electrochemical process for separating connected powder grains in the cavity.

Impeller and turbocompressor equipped with such impeller and method for manufacturing such an impeller

An impeller includes a central shaft or a tube for mounting on a shaft; around the shaft or tube a hollow hub, which in the direction from one end to the other end increases in diameter. The hub possesses an outside and an inside oriented towards the shaft or tube; a back wall which is provided at the end of the hub with the largest diameter perpendicular to the shaft or tube which at least partially closes the hollow space of the hub; a series of blades that are attached to the outside of the hub by their base; wherein a number of flat, straight reinforcing ribs are provided which extend on the shaft or tube in an essentially radial direction and form a radial connection between the shaft or tube and the inside of the hub.

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY OF AN UNPACKING DEVICE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEVICE, UNPACKING DEVICE HAVING A CONTAINER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TYPE, AND MANUFACTURING DEVICE

3D PRINTING CLEANING MODULES

A 3D printing cleaning module comprises an extraction gate at a lateral wall of a housing; and a platform within the housing to support a build bed including 3D printed parts and un-solidified build material. The platform is tilted or tiltable with respect to a horizontal plane towards the extraction gate to enable 3D printed parts on the platform to be removable through the extraction gate. The module comprises a cleaning engine to remove at least part of the un-solidified build material from the housing, a vibrating mechanism to vibrate the platform; and a controller. The controller is to control the cleaning engine to execute a cleaning operation by removing un-solidified build material from the housing, to cause the part ejection gate to open upon completion of the cleaning operation, and to cause the vibrating mechanism to vibrate the platform when the part extraction gate is in the open position.

ELECTROPOLISHING TREATMENT METHOD FOR STAINLESS STEEL WORKPIECE

The disclosure provides an electropolishing treatment method for a stainless steel workpiece, wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing the stainless steel workpiece in an oxalic acid solution and performing supersonic oscillation; performing a first electropolishing treatment to the stainless steel workpiece, wherein the first electropolishing treatment uses the stainless steel workpiece as an anode and 10% to 15% perchloric acid as an electrolyte, and when a constant voltage is set as 12V, the first electropolishing treatment procedure is performed; and performing a second electropolishing treatment to the stainless steel workpiece, wherein the second electropolishing treatment uses the stainless steel workpiece after the first electropolishing treatment as an anode, and an electrolyte consists of ethanol, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid, and when a constant voltage is set as 12V, the second electropolishing treatment is performed to obtain the stainless steel workpiece ...

Additive manufacturing methods for golf club components

Methods of creating golf club components with complex structures that would be difficult, impossible, or cost prohibitive to produce, such as lattice structures, beam structures, and complex surface-based structures, are described herein. In particular, a binder jet machine is used create complex structures to optimize weighting, sound, and performance of golf club heads. The method preferably includes the steps of designing a golf club head component in CAD using optimization software, printing the component from a powdered material, and then removing excess powder from the component via port holes that extend into an external surface of the component and communicate with interior voids within the component.

POWDER REMOVAL FROM A PRINTED WORKPIECE

Disclosed is a system (100) for depowdering a workpiece formed from a reactive powder by an additive manufacturing process. The system includes a powder removal enclosure (119), an inert gas source (121), a sealed ultrasonic transducer (110), an oxygen sensor (128), and a controller (127) coupled to the sealed ultrasonic transducer (110) and the oxygen sensor (128). The controller (127) is configured to perform a plurality of operations including monitoring the oxygen sensor (128) to observe an oxygen level within the powder removal enclosure (119) as an inert gas from the inert gas source (121) displaces a gas environment within the powder removal enclosure (119), and applying electrical power to the sealed ultrasonic transducer (110) within the powder removal enclosure (119) to ultrasonically remove a residual amount of the reactive powder from the workpiece based on determining that the oxygen level within the powder removal enclosure (119) is below a minimum oxygen level threshold.

LASER MACHINE TOOL WITH TRANSPORTING DEVICE

A machine for manufacturing shaped objects layer by layer by locationally selectively fusing material powder to form connected regions by means of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation. The machine includes a process chamber, which surrounds a process space, an unpacking chamber, which surrounds an unpacking space, a first building cylinder and a second building cylinder, which each have a workpiece table for material powder and a building space, wherein the workpiece tables can each be moved into the building space, and a transporting device for transferring the building cylinders between an operating position in the process space and an unpacking position in the unpacking space. According to the invention, the transporting device is configured to transfer the first building cylinder from the operating position into the unpacking position and the second building cylinder from the unpacking position into the operating position simultaneously.

Method for post-treating and a post-treatment system

A method for post-treating a three-dimensional object produced by selectively solidifying, layer by layer, of a building material in powder form and/or post-treating unsolidified building material in which the three-dimensional object is embedded. The three-dimensional object and/or the unsolidified building material may be treated with a liquid. The liquid may comprises a liquid carrier substance and at least one further substance that reduces surface tension of the carrier substance.

TOOL STATION WITH CLEANING ATTACHMENTS

An apparatus for cleaning a set of 3D printed objects comprises a platform to receive a 3D printed object with build material attached thereto to be cleaned, a tool station to host a plurality of different cleaning attachments and a cleaning body moveable over the platform and to the tool station. The cleaning body comprises an end to receive one of the cleaning attachments. A controller is to receive data corresponding to the geometry of a portion of a 3D printed object and select, based on the received data, a cleaning attachment to clean the 3D printed object portion. The controller is further to control the cleaning body to attach the selected cleaning attachment to the cleaning body, and control the cleaning body to move to a position based on the received data and control a gas flow through the cleaning body to clean the 3D printed object portion.

CREATING A BREAKAWAY REGION

An apparatus is disclosed to create a breakaway junction for 3D printed parts. Powder is spread along a target zone, such as a build bed. A liquid functional agent is selectively dispensed upon the powder to form a 3D object, a supporting part, and the breakaway junction between them.