THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING SYSTEM THAT MINIMIZES USE OF METAL POWDER

A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a support powder dispenser containing support powder, a metal powder dispenser containing metal powder, a build plate, a beam system, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) receive inf...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Winter, Kirt, Watson, Jonathan
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a support powder dispenser containing support powder, a metal powder dispenser containing metal powder, a build plate, a beam system, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) receive information defining a two-dimensional (2D) slice of the 3D article, (2) position the build plate to receive a new layer of metal powder, (3) operate the metal powder dispenser to dispense the new layer of metal powder, the new layer of metal powder spanning the 2D slice and extending beyond the boundaries to define a zone of unfused powder, (4) operate the beam system to selectively fuse the new layer of powder over an area corresponding to the 2D slice, (5) operate the support powder dispenser to dispense a bounding contour of support powder proximate to or overlapping the zone of unfused powder.