Abstract:
An additive manufacturing system can include a powder dispenser; a gate adjacent to the powder dispenser; a recoater blade system; and a control operable to move the gate with respect to the powder dispenser to selectively dispense powder from the powder dispenser.
Abstract:
An additive manufacturing machine includes an energy unit with two energy beam sources, each with a different power level of energy beam. In addition, a build unit receives the energy beams, and a reflecting unit is positioned between the energy unit and the build unit and directs the energy beams. There is also an energy beam detector positioned on or near the build unit.
Abstract:
A powder processing machine includes a work bed, a powder deposition device operable to deposit powder in the work bed, at least one energy beam device operable to emit an energy beam with a variable beam power and direct the energy beam onto the work bed with a variable beam scan rate to melt and fuse regions of the powder, and a controller operable to dynamically control at least one of the beam power or the beam scan rate to change how the powder melts and fuses. The controller is configured to determine whether an instant set of process parameters falls within a defect condition or a non-defect condition and adjust at least one of the beam power or the beam scan rate responsive to the defect condition such that the instant set of process parameters falls within the non-defect condition.
Abstract:
A structure includes a first body section that has a wall that spans in a vertical direction. The wall has a relatively thin thickness with respect to a length and a width of the wall. A second body section is arranged next to, but spaced apart from, the first body section. A gusset connects the first body section and the second body section. The gusset extends obliquely from the wall of the first body section with respect to the vertical direction such that the gusset is self-supporting. The first body section has a geometry that corresponds to an end-use component exclusive of the gusset.
Abstract:
An additive manufacturing system can include a powder dispenser; a gate adjacent to the powder dispenser; a recoater blade system; and a control operable to move the gate with respect to the powder dispenser to selectively dispense powder from the powder dispenser.
Abstract:
An additively manufactured element includes a support structure connected to an article body. The connectors connecting the support structure to the article body are fused supports. Also disclosed is a method for removing the support structure from the article body by passing an electrical current through the fused supports, thereby breaking the fused supports.
Abstract:
A metal powder reconditioning apparatus and method recondition contaminated residual powder from an additive manufacturing device. The apparatus and method include a reducing chamber that receives contaminated residual powder resulting from an additive manufacturing process and remove oxygen from the contaminated residual powder to produce reconditioned powder. The reconditioned powder may be reused in the additive manufacturing process, or may be stored in a non-oxidizing atmosphere for later reuse.
Abstract:
An additive manufacturing process includes simultaneously constructing a component and a non-contacting thermal support for the component. The non-contacting thermal support includes a three dimensional negative of the component. The non-contacting thermal support transfers heat from the component into a heat sink.
Abstract:
An additive manufacturing machine includes an energy unit with two energy beam sources, each with a different power level of energy beam. In addition, a build unit receives the energy beams, and a reflecting unit is positioned between the energy unit and the build unit and directs the energy beams. There is also an energy beam detector positioned on or near the build unit.
Abstract:
A component includes a support structure made with an additive manufacturing process with a first end and a second end, and an object made with an additive manufacturing process with a first end and a second end, where the first end of the object is attached to the second end of the support structure. A cross-sectional area of the first end of the object is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second end of the support structure. A method of making an object, the method includes manufacturing a support structure with an additive manufacturing process. An object is manufactured on top of and connected to the support structure with an additive manufacturing process, wherein there is a witness mark created between the support structure and the object. The witness mark is identified. The object is separated from the support structure along the witness mark.