EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR APPARATUS FOR THE LAYER-BY-LAYER FORMATION OF THREE-DIMENTIONSL OBJECTS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS AND CONTROLLER

    公开(公告)号:US20230142837A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-05-11

    申请号:US17916026

    申请日:2021-03-29

    CPC classification number: B29C64/364 B29C64/393 B33Y30/00

    Abstract: An apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional objects, the apparatus comprising a gas extraction system and an enclosed working space from which gas is to be extracted, wherein the working space is enclosed by side walls, a ceiling and a working surface, and comprises a working space inlet for allowing gas to enter into the working space, a working space outlet for allowing gas to exit the working space, and a build bed surface in which a layer of the object is formed; wherein the gas extraction system comprises: a primary conduit comprising at least a first primary inlet, at least a first interfacing inlet, and a primary outlet; and at least a first secondary conduit comprising a respective first secondary inlet and a respective first secondary outlet, the first secondary inlet being in fluidic communication with the working space for extracting gas from the working space, and the first secondary outlet being in fluidic communication with the first interfacing inlet; wherein the or each primary inlet is open to an environment external to the working space, and wherein the primary outlet is connectable to an external extraction source so as to suction gas from the primary conduit; and wherein the gas extraction system further comprises one or more flow control devices for controlling the flow of gas from the working space into the first secondary conduit, and thence into the primary outlet of the primary conduit. Methods for operating the apparatus, and a controller for controlling the apparatus and carrying out the methods, are also provided.

    EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR APPARATUS FOR THE LAYER-BY-LAYER FORMATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS AND CONTROLLER

    公开(公告)号:US20240367378A1

    公开(公告)日:2024-11-07

    申请号:US18770067

    申请日:2024-07-11

    Abstract: An apparatus for the layer-by-layer formation of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus includes a gas extraction system and an enclosed working space. The working space includes a working space inlet allowing gas to enter, a working space outlet allowing gas to exit, and a build bed surface in which a the object is formed. The gas extraction system includes: a primary conduit having a first primary inlet, a first interfacing inlet, and a primary outlet connectable to an external extraction source; and a first secondary conduit having a first secondary inlet and outlet. The first secondary inlet is in fluidic communication with the working space. The first secondary outlet is in fluidic communication with the first interfacing inlet. The gas extraction system further includes a flow controller to control the flow of gas from the working space into the first secondary conduit, and thereafter into the primary outlet.

    GAS FLOW DELIVERY STRUCTURE FOR APPARATUS FOR THE LAYER-BY-LAYER FORMATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

    公开(公告)号:US20230036660A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-02-02

    申请号:US17789755

    申请日:2020-12-23

    Abstract: A structure for delivering a flow of gas across a window or aperture of an imaging or measurement device within an apparatus for the manufacture of three-dimensional objects by layer-by-layer consolidation of particulate matter, the structure comprising: a hollow body having an upper aperture for mounting in correspondence with the window/aperture of said device, a gas flow intake region below the upper aperture, and a lower aperture; wherein the gas flow intake region is provided on opposing sides of the hollow body when viewed in cross-section along a longitudinal axis that runs from the upper aperture to the lower aperture, and comprises one or more channels configured to allow, in use, a flow of intake gas to enter the hollow body from the opposing sides of the hollow body with a flow component that predominantly lies in a plane parallel to the plane of the upper aperture, and to come into confluence within the hollow body; and wherein the hollow body is symmetrically shaped about the longitudinal axis so as to redirect the confluent flow of intake gas to form a substantially axial flow of gas along the longitudinal axis, and a backflow of gas near the internal wall of the hollow body, wherein the upper aperture is substantially shielded from the backflow by the intake flow, and wherein the velocity of the backflow is relatively low in comparison to the velocity of the intake flow. Also provided is an apparatus for the manufacture of three-dimensional objects by layer-by-layer consolidation of particulate matter, incorporating such a structure, and a method of delivering a flow of gas using such a structure.

    INFRARED RADIATION DEFLECTOR FOR APPARATUS FOR THE LAYER-BY-LAYER FORMATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

    公开(公告)号:US20230028987A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-01-26

    申请号:US17784523

    申请日:2020-12-11

    Abstract: An infrared radiation deflector (100) for an elongate infrared lamp (110), the radiation deflector (100) comprising opposing first and second elongate side walls (130_1, 130_2); at least one end support (170) connecting the ends of the side walls (130_1, 130_2); an upper opening (140) and a lower opening (150) arranged to pass lamp radiation to an exterior of the radiation deflector (100); and a mounting point (172) provided at the/each end support (170) for mounting the infrared lamp (110) and defining between them a lamp axis location (114); wherein the first and second elongate side walls (130_1, 130_2) comprise a first elongate mirror (130_1) and a second elongate mirror (130_2) extending parallel to the lamp axis location (114) and along at least a lower internal portion of the respective first and second side walls (130_1, 130_2); wherein the lamp axis location (114) extends along and between the first mirror (130_1) and the second mirror (130_2), the first and second mirror (130_1, 130_2) each having a concave surface with respect to the lamp axis location (114); and wherein the first mirror (130_1) is an upward deflecting mirror and further arranged to be concave with respect to the upper opening (140) for redirecting at least a portion of direct lamp radiation through the upper opening (140).

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