Abstract:
An intake manifold for an additive manufacturing system includes a body defining a flow channel therein. The body includes an inlet end defining an inlet configured to intake gas and/or particles from a build area of the additive manufacturing system, and an outlet end defining an outlet that is fluidly connected to the inlet through the flow channel. The outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with an uptake manifold of the additive manufacturing system. The intake manifold also includes at least one mount extending from the outlet end of the body that is configured to rotatably mount the body to the uptake manifold.
Abstract:
A system for removing powder from an additively manufactured article includes a powder removal mechanism. The powder removal mechanism can include a build plate holder configured to hold a build plate at a distal end thereof. The powder removal mechanism can also include a first actuator that is configured to angle the build plate holder relative to gravity and a second actuator that is configured to rotate the build plate holder about a central axis of the build plate holder.
Abstract:
A method can include additively manufacturing a first portion of a part in a first build direction on a first build plate, removing the first portion of the part from the first build plate and inserting the first portion of the part on a second build plate that is configured to receive at least a portion of the first portion of the part. The method can also include additively manufacturing, in a second build direction relative to the first build direction, a second portion on the first portion of the part that is on the second build plate. In certain embodiments, the method can include removing the part from the second build plate.
Abstract:
A method includes additively manufacturing an article in an inert environment, removing the article from the inert environment and placing the article in a non-inert environment, allowing at least a portion the article to oxidize in the non-inert environment to form an oxidized layer on a surface of the article, and removing the oxidized layer (e.g., to smooth the surface of the article). The method can further include relieving stress in the article (e.g., via heating the article after additive manufacturing).
Abstract:
An intake manifold for an additive manufacturing system includes a body defining a flow channel therein. The body includes an inlet end defining an inlet configured to intake gas and/or particles from a build area of the additive manufacturing system, and an outlet end defining an outlet that is fluidly connected to the inlet through the flow channel. The outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with an uptake manifold of the additive manufacturing system. The intake manifold also includes at least one mount extending from the outlet end of the body that is configured to rotatably mount the body to the uptake manifold.
Abstract:
A system for removing powder from an additively manufactured article includes a powder removal mechanism. The powder removal mechanism can include a build plate holder configured to hold a build plate at a distal end thereof. The powder removal mechanism can also include a first actuator that is configured to angle the build plate holder relative to gravity and a second actuator that is configured to rotate the build plate holder about a central axis of the build plate holder.
Abstract:
A powder container can include a body defining a chamber having a bulk opening, a moveable cover configured to selectively cover the bulk opening, and a hopper nozzle extending from the body and in fluid communication with the chamber configured to allow powder to exit or enter the chamber, the hopper nozzle being smaller than the bulk opening.
Abstract:
A method for producing a device having at least one internal feature includes manufacturing an internal volume of the internal features out of a first material, disposing the internal volume in a parent material that has a higher melting point than the first material, causing the internal volume to melt within the parent material, and allowing at least a portion of the first material to diffuse into the parent material, thereby leaving behind the at least one internal feature within the parent material.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger structure includes additively forming a top layer of a header after disposing a corrugated core within the header to retain the corrugated core within the header. Additively forming the top layer can include filling the corrugated core with powder until a suitable layer of powder overlays the corrugated core and the header and sintering the powder to form the top layer of the header.
Abstract:
A powder container can include a body defining a chamber having a bulk opening, a moveable cover configured to selectively cover the bulk opening, and a hopper nozzle extending from the body and in fluid communication with the chamber configured to allow powder to exit or enter the chamber, the hopper nozzle being smaller than the bulk opening.