SELECTIVE PNEUMATIC JETTING OF METAL FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods are directed to switching between pneumatically actuated ejection and electrically actuated ejection of liquid metal from a nozzle moving along a controlled three-dimensional pattern to fabricate a three-dimensional object. Electrically actuated ejection can be useful, for example, for delivering discrete droplets in areas of the object requiring a high degree of accuracy. Pneumatic ejection can be useful, for example, for delivering a stream of liquid metal from the nozzle to provide liquid metal rapidly to areas of the object that require less accuracy (e.g., an inner portion of the object). Accordingly, switching between pneumatically actuated ejection and electrically actuated ejection can facilitate accurate and rapid production of parts through additive manufacturing.
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