US20230234139A1 - Break away support for 3d printing - Google Patents
Break away support for 3d printing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230234139A1 US20230234139A1 US18/126,264 US202318126264A US2023234139A1 US 20230234139 A1 US20230234139 A1 US 20230234139A1 US 202318126264 A US202318126264 A US 202318126264A US 2023234139 A1 US2023234139 A1 US 2023234139A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- groove
- processor
- span
- breakaway
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 9
- HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N Sorbitan monostearate Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@@H](O)[C@H]1OC[C@H](O)[C@H]1O HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002105 nanoparticle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007665 sagging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/40—Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/80—Data acquisition or data processing
- B22F10/85—Data acquisition or data processing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/10—Formation of a green body
- B22F10/14—Formation of a green body by jetting of binder onto a bed of metal powder
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/30—Process control
- B22F10/38—Process control to achieve specific product aspects, e.g. surface smoothness, density, porosity or hollow structures
- B22F10/385—Overhang structures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/40—Structures for supporting workpieces or articles during manufacture and removed afterwards
- B22F10/43—Structures for supporting workpieces or articles during manufacture and removed afterwards characterised by material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/40—Structures for supporting workpieces or articles during manufacture and removed afterwards
- B22F10/47—Structures for supporting workpieces or articles during manufacture and removed afterwards characterised by structural features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
- B22F10/80—Data acquisition or data processing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
- B29C64/165—Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
- B29C64/386—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y10/00—Processes of additive manufacturing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y40/00—Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
- B33Y40/10—Pre-treatment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y40/00—Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
- B33Y40/20—Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
- B33Y50/02—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F30/00—Computer-aided design [CAD]
- G06F30/20—Design optimisation, verification or simulation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
- B22F3/10—Sintering only
- B22F2003/1042—Sintering only with support for articles to be sintered
- B22F2003/1046—Sintering only with support for articles to be sintered with separating means for articles to be sintered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
- B22F2999/00—Aspects linked to processes or compositions used in powder metallurgy
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2113/00—Details relating to the application field
- G06F2113/10—Additive manufacturing, e.g. 3D printing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2119/00—Details relating to the type or aim of the analysis or the optimisation
- G06F2119/18—Manufacturability analysis or optimisation for manufacturability
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P10/00—Technologies related to metal processing
- Y02P10/25—Process efficiency
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02P90/02—Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
Definitions
- 3D printers convert a digital representation of an object into the physical object.
- 3D printers are used to manufacture objects with complex geometries using a variety of materials including thermoplastics, polymers, ceramics and metals.
- powder based 3D printing successive layers of a powdered build material are formed and portions of each layer solidified in a desired pattern to build up the layers of the 3D object.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example support structure generator to generate a digital representation of breakaway supports and corresponding grooves or other breakaway force concentrating features.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation for a support structure generator shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an example additive manufacturing system with a 3D printer to print green parts and a sintering furnace to sinter the green parts.
- FIGS. 4 - 6 illustrate an example object structure with a breakaway support.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are details from FIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an example modified object model with object slices to print a structure shown in FIGS. 4 - 6 .
- FIG. 10 presents a series of sections corresponding to the slice images in the example object model shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates an example method for modifying an object model to generate slices to print breakaway force concentrating grooves.
- FIGS. 12 - 17 illustrate other example object structures with a breakaway support.
- Metal objects may be produced, for example, by selectively applying a liquid binder agent to portions of each of successive layers of metal powder to bind together those portions of the powder corresponding to the solid layer of the 3D object.
- the binder agent is dried or otherwise cured, for example using heat and/or ultra violet energy.
- the cured object known commonly as a “green part”, is heated in a sintering furnace to burn off any residual binder and fuse the metal.
- Structures may be formed with the green part for support during sintering to prevent the part from tipping and/or to inhibit sagging of overhangs and other spans that are otherwise inadequately supported within the object itself.
- the support structures are separated from the object after fusing, usually by breaking the supports away from the object.
- the support structure includes a wedge shaped groove between the object and the support.
- the groove narrows to a line along which an inner portion of the support intersects the object.
- the groove concentrates the breakaway force along the line of intersection to reduce the force needed to initiate separation.
- the line of intersection at the base of the groove forms a nascent crack to more consistently initiate separation at the desired location and for cleaner separation, particularly for a unified structure in which each support is printed from the same material as the object with no intervening separation layer.
- a straight groove may be used, a wedge shaped groove facilitates removing powder from the groove before sintering.
- An object model for printing a force concentrating, breakaway support structure may be generated, for example, by modifying the object model to include supports and grooves (or other force concentrating features) based on the geometry of the object, characteristics of the build material, the precision of the printer, the desired breakaway force and any other relevant parameters.
- Object model analysis and modeling for breakaway supports may be implemented through programming on the printer controller, by an object model processor distinct from the printer controller, or as part of the original object model using 3D modeling software adapted to create the new support structures.
- Examples of the new structures are not limited to metal or ceramic “green parts” sintered/fused after printing, but may be used with polymers and other materials fused during printing. Also, although examples are described with reference to force concentrating grooves, other breakaway force concentrating features are possible. Accordingly, the examples described herein illustrate but do not limit the scope of the patent which is defined in the Claims following this Description.
- a “memory” means any non-transitory tangible medium that can embody, contain, store, or maintain information and instructions for use by a processor and may include, for example, circuits, integrated circuits, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), hard drives, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and flash memory; and a “span” means any part of an object supported by, or to be supported by, a breakaway support during printing or post print processing.
- FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a support structure generator 10 to generate a digital representation of breakaway supports and corresponding grooves or other breakaway force concentrating features.
- Generator 10 may be implemented, for example, through programming on a printer controller, an object model processor separate from the printer controller, or as part of a 3D modeling program.
- Generator 10 includes an object model analyzer 12 to analyze an object model 14 .
- Object model analyzer 12 may, for example, analyze object model 14 to determine the intended orientation of the object during printing, post print sintering, and/or other post print processing, and then determine breakaway supports for parts of the object in one or multiple intended orientations.
- Support structure generator 10 also includes a support structure designer 16 to design support structures to be added to object model 14 based on analyses by object model analyzer 12 .
- Designer 16 includes a groove generator 18 to generate a force concentrating groove or multiple grooves for each breakaway support in which it is determined that such a groove or grooves is desired.
- Generator 10 generates a modified object model 20 that may be used to print the object and support structures.
- a 3D printer may be controlled based on digital slices taken from the modified object model to apply a binder or fusing agent to each of successive layers of build material in a pattern corresponding to each layer/slice of the object.
- FIG. 2 illustrates one example implementation for a support structure generator 10 shown in FIG. 1 .
- generator 10 includes a processor 22 , such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, a memory 24 , and a communications bus 24 connecting processor 22 and memory 24 .
- Memory 24 stores object model analyzer instructions 28 that, when executed by processor 22 , cause the processor to analyze an object model.
- Memory 24 also stores support structure designer instructions 30 with groove generator instructions 32 that, when executed by processor 22 , cause the processor to modify an object model to include breakaway support structures and corresponding force concentrating grooves.
- memory 24 with instructions 28 , 30 , and 32 is part of a printer controller along with processor 22 and bus 26 .
- memory 24 with instructions 28 , 30 , and 32 is part of a 3D modeling program.
- FIG. 3 illustrates one example of an additive manufacturing system 34 with a 3D printer 36 to print green parts and a sintering furnace 38 to sinter the green parts.
- printer 36 is implemented as a binder jet type 3D printer for printing green parts 42 through the application of a liquid binder to each of successive layers of powdered build material.
- Printer 36 includes a build chamber 40 in which the green parts are printed.
- each green part is printed as unified structure 42 that includes an object 44 and a support 46 integral to and made of the same material as object 44 .
- Structure 42 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 - 6 .
- Structures 42 are printed on a build platform 48 that moves vertically in chamber 40 to accommodate the formation of each successive layer of powdered build material 50 by a layering system 52 .
- a layering system 52 may include, for example, a roller, wiper, blade or any other mechanism suitable for forming layers of build material over platform 48 .
- Printer 36 in FIG. 3 includes an agent applicator 54 to selectively apply a liquid binder to individual layers of build material in a desired pattern based on the modified object model 20 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Agent applicator 54 may be implemented, for example, as an inkjet printhead or an array of multiple inkjet printheads.
- printer 36 also includes an energy source 56 to dry and/or cure the binder to form green parts 42 .
- the green parts are transferred from build chamber 40 to sintering furnace 38 to fuse the green material for the completed object. Supports 46 are broken away from objects 44 after sintering.
- a controller 58 in FIG. 3 includes the programming, processing and associated memory resources, and the other electronic circuitry and components to control the operative elements of printer 36 .
- controller 58 may include programming to modify the object model to print force concentrating grooves for the breakaway supports. Groove programming may be implemented in controller 58 , for example, through a memory 24 with groove generator instructions 32 and a processor 22 to execute instructions 32 , as described above with reference to FIG. 2 .
- Controller 58 may also include object model analyzer instructions 28 and support structure designer instructions 30 shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one example of an object structure 42 with an object 44 and a breakaway support 46 .
- Structure 42 may be a green part or a fully fused part before breaking away the support.
- Object 44 includes a span 60 supported by support 46 .
- span 60 is an overhang.
- Structure 42 includes a groove 62 between object 44 and support 46 .
- groove 62 is a wedge shaped groove that ends at a line 64 along which an inner portion of support 46 intersects span 60 .
- groove 62 is defined by a bevel 66 along a top part of support 46 and a flat 68 (not beveled) along a bottom part of span 60 .
- FIG. 6 shows support 46 breaking away from object 44 at the urging of a breakaway force 70 applied to the bottom part of support 46 .
- the breadth 73 of the physical line 64 along which along which an inner portion of support 46 intersects span 60 is the printed equivalent of at least one voxel.
- a physical line necessarily has breadth.
- the breadth of a printed voxel depends on the precision of the 3D printer. Thinner layers of build material and higher resolution agent applicators may be used to produce a narrower voxel and thus a sharper line 64 .
- the angle 72 of bevel 66 with respect to flat 68 is approximated by a series of tiny steps 74 along support 46 .
- 3D printers may not be able produce a continuous, smooth bevel.
- 3D printing is additive and digital. Consequently, a bevel is approximated by applying a binder or fusing agent digitally, voxel by voxel, turning the applicator on and off to apply the desired pattern of agent to each of successive layers of build material, producing steps 74 shown in FIG. 7 . Thinner layers of build material and higher resolution agent applicators may be used to produce a better approximation of a smooth, continuous bevel.
- Groove 62 concentrates the breakaway force 70 along line 64 to reduce the force to initiate a break between support 46 and from object 44 .
- a groove 62 may be designed to initiate the break at a force 70 ( FIG. 6 ) below a threshold force when force 72 is exerted on support 46 .
- groove 62 may be designed to facilitate removing powder from the groove.
- a straight groove may be used to achieve the desired breakaway force
- a wedge shaped groove facilitates removing powder from the groove while still allowing a narrow line of intersection 64 . This is particularly desirable for green parts, which are depowdered before sintering. Any significant amount of powder in a groove 62 may become fixed and attached to the surrounding parts, causing a larger breakaway force and less clean fracture line.
- FIG. 8 shows one example of fracture lines 76 , 78 as support 46 breaks away from object 44 .
- the smoothness of fracture lines 76 , 78 may depend on the characteristics of the material forming support 46 and object 44 as well as the breadth of line 64 and any unwanted powder remaining in groove 62 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a method 100 for modifying an object model to generate slices 80 shown in FIG. 9 , to print a force concentrating groove 62 .
- Method 100 may be implemented, for example, by a support structure generator 10 shown in FIG. 1 . Part numbers in the description of method 100 refer to FIGS. 4 - 10 .
- the object model is analyzed to identify any spans 60 in object 44 (block 102 ). Support(s) 46 and groove(s) 62 are designed for each span to achieve the desired breakaway forces (block 104 ).
- the object model is modified to include the support(s) and groove(s) (block 106 ).
- each support and corresponding groove may include the size, shape and location of the support as well as the features that will be printed to define each groove.
- the modified object model may define the length and angle of a bevel 66 along support 46 and a flat 68 along object 44 .
- the modified object model may also set the resolution for printing steps 74 , and thus the breadth of line 64 and smoothness of angle 72 , based on the characteristics of the build material, the thickness of each layer of build material, the precision of the agent applicator, and the desired breakaway force. Printers with higher resolution and thus more precise applicators and that are able to form thinner layers may print narrower lines 64 and smoother bevels 66 .
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another example of an object structure 42 .
- a straight groove 62 ends at the line of intersection 64 between support 46 and span 60 .
- the breadth 73 of groove 62 may be as narrow as one voxel for a lower breakaway force and a cleaner break.
- a broader groove 62 may desirable in some implementations to facilitate removing powder from the groove.
- structure 42 includes multiple supports 46 supporting a tapered span 60 along a slope of the taper.
- Structure 42 includes grooves 62 at each side of each support 46 .
- an interface 86 is interposed between object 44 and support 46 .
- Groove 62 ends at a line 64 along which the inner portion of support 46 intersects interface 86 .
- Interface 86 further reduces the breakaway force and helps make a cleaner break. Examples of an interface 86 are disclosed in international application no. PCT/US2018/029968 filed Apr. 27, 2018 and titled SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND INTERFACES.
- an interface 86 is printed by applying an interface agent that forms a localized weaker region of build material between object 44 and support 46 .
- the physical properties of interface 86 may differ from those of object 44 and support 46 .
- some interface agents may include ceramic nanoparticles that weaken the interface between object 44 and support 46 during binding or fusing.
- some interface agents may include chemicals that create gas pockets between object 44 and support 46 during binding or fusing to weaken the interface.
- span 60 extends between parts 84 of object 44 and structure 42 includes a groove 62 at each side of support 46 .
- a breakaway force may be applied to either side of support 46 to initiate a break at the corresponding line 64 .
- the opposite groove 62 may also help support 46 separate more cleanly from object 44 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
Abstract
In one example, a 3D printing system includes a support structure generator to identify a breakaway support to temporarily support part of the object, to design a wedge shaped groove between a portion of the object and the support, the groove ending at a line along which the support intersects the object, and to generate a digital object model that includes the support and the groove. The system also includes a 3D printer to print the object, support and groove based on the object model.
Description
- 3D printers convert a digital representation of an object into the physical object. 3D printers are used to manufacture objects with complex geometries using a variety of materials including thermoplastics, polymers, ceramics and metals. In powder based 3D printing, successive layers of a powdered build material are formed and portions of each layer solidified in a desired pattern to build up the layers of the 3D object.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an example support structure generator to generate a digital representation of breakaway supports and corresponding grooves or other breakaway force concentrating features. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation for a support structure generator shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates an example additive manufacturing system with a 3D printer to print green parts and a sintering furnace to sinter the green parts. -
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an example object structure with a breakaway support. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 are details fromFIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an example modified object model with object slices to print a structure shown inFIGS. 4-6 . -
FIG. 10 presents a series of sections corresponding to the slice images in the example object model shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates an example method for modifying an object model to generate slices to print breakaway force concentrating grooves. -
FIGS. 12-17 illustrate other example object structures with a breakaway support. - The same part numbers designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures. The figures are not necessarily to scale.
- Metal objects may be produced, for example, by selectively applying a liquid binder agent to portions of each of successive layers of metal powder to bind together those portions of the powder corresponding to the solid layer of the 3D object. The binder agent is dried or otherwise cured, for example using heat and/or ultra violet energy. The cured object, known commonly as a “green part”, is heated in a sintering furnace to burn off any residual binder and fuse the metal. Structures may be formed with the green part for support during sintering to prevent the part from tipping and/or to inhibit sagging of overhangs and other spans that are otherwise inadequately supported within the object itself. The support structures are separated from the object after fusing, usually by breaking the supports away from the object.
- A new support structure has been developed to concentrate the breakaway force for easier separation. In one example, the support structure includes a wedge shaped groove between the object and the support. The groove narrows to a line along which an inner portion of the support intersects the object. The groove concentrates the breakaway force along the line of intersection to reduce the force needed to initiate separation. Also, the line of intersection at the base of the groove forms a nascent crack to more consistently initiate separation at the desired location and for cleaner separation, particularly for a unified structure in which each support is printed from the same material as the object with no intervening separation layer. Although a straight groove may be used, a wedge shaped groove facilitates removing powder from the groove before sintering.
- An object model for printing a force concentrating, breakaway support structure may be generated, for example, by modifying the object model to include supports and grooves (or other force concentrating features) based on the geometry of the object, characteristics of the build material, the precision of the printer, the desired breakaway force and any other relevant parameters. Object model analysis and modeling for breakaway supports may be implemented through programming on the printer controller, by an object model processor distinct from the printer controller, or as part of the original object model using 3D modeling software adapted to create the new support structures.
- Examples of the new structures are not limited to metal or ceramic “green parts” sintered/fused after printing, but may be used with polymers and other materials fused during printing. Also, although examples are described with reference to force concentrating grooves, other breakaway force concentrating features are possible. Accordingly, the examples described herein illustrate but do not limit the scope of the patent which is defined in the Claims following this Description.
- As used in this document, “and/or” means one or more of the connected things; a “memory” means any non-transitory tangible medium that can embody, contain, store, or maintain information and instructions for use by a processor and may include, for example, circuits, integrated circuits, ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), hard drives, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and flash memory; and a “span” means any part of an object supported by, or to be supported by, a breakaway support during printing or post print processing.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates one example of asupport structure generator 10 to generate a digital representation of breakaway supports and corresponding grooves or other breakaway force concentrating features.Generator 10 may be implemented, for example, through programming on a printer controller, an object model processor separate from the printer controller, or as part of a 3D modeling program.Generator 10 includes anobject model analyzer 12 to analyze anobject model 14.Object model analyzer 12 may, for example,analyze object model 14 to determine the intended orientation of the object during printing, post print sintering, and/or other post print processing, and then determine breakaway supports for parts of the object in one or multiple intended orientations. -
Support structure generator 10 also includes asupport structure designer 16 to design support structures to be added toobject model 14 based on analyses byobject model analyzer 12.Designer 16 includes agroove generator 18 to generate a force concentrating groove or multiple grooves for each breakaway support in which it is determined that such a groove or grooves is desired.Generator 10 generates amodified object model 20 that may be used to print the object and support structures. A 3D printer may be controlled based on digital slices taken from the modified object model to apply a binder or fusing agent to each of successive layers of build material in a pattern corresponding to each layer/slice of the object. -
FIG. 2 illustrates one example implementation for asupport structure generator 10 shown inFIG. 1 . Referring toFIG. 2 ,generator 10 includes aprocessor 22, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, amemory 24, and acommunications bus 24 connectingprocessor 22 andmemory 24.Memory 24 stores objectmodel analyzer instructions 28 that, when executed byprocessor 22, cause the processor to analyze an object model.Memory 24 also stores supportstructure designer instructions 30 withgroove generator instructions 32 that, when executed byprocessor 22, cause the processor to modify an object model to include breakaway support structures and corresponding force concentrating grooves. In one example,memory 24 withinstructions processor 22 andbus 26. In another example,memory 24 withinstructions -
FIG. 3 illustrates one example of anadditive manufacturing system 34 with a3D printer 36 to print green parts and a sinteringfurnace 38 to sinter the green parts. Referring toFIG. 3 , in thisexample printer 36 is implemented as a binder jet type 3D printer for printinggreen parts 42 through the application of a liquid binder to each of successive layers of powdered build material.Printer 36 includes abuild chamber 40 in which the green parts are printed. In the example shown inFIG. 3 , each green part is printed asunified structure 42 that includes anobject 44 and asupport 46 integral to and made of the same material asobject 44.Structure 42 is described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 4-6 . -
Structures 42 are printed on abuild platform 48 that moves vertically inchamber 40 to accommodate the formation of each successive layer of powderedbuild material 50 by a layering system 52. Once a layer of build material has been printed, the build platform is lowered a distance corresponding to the thickness of the next layer of build material to be formed atop the previous layer. Any suitablebuild material powder 50 may be used including, for example, metals, ceramics, and polymers. A layering system 52 may include, for example, a roller, wiper, blade or any other mechanism suitable for forming layers of build material overplatform 48. -
Printer 36 inFIG. 3 includes anagent applicator 54 to selectively apply a liquid binder to individual layers of build material in a desired pattern based on the modified object model 20 (FIG. 1 ).Agent applicator 54 may be implemented, for example, as an inkjet printhead or an array of multiple inkjet printheads. In this example,printer 36 also includes anenergy source 56 to dry and/or cure the binder to formgreen parts 42. The green parts are transferred frombuild chamber 40 to sinteringfurnace 38 to fuse the green material for the completed object.Supports 46 are broken away fromobjects 44 after sintering. - A
controller 58 inFIG. 3 includes the programming, processing and associated memory resources, and the other electronic circuitry and components to control the operative elements ofprinter 36. In particular,controller 58 may include programming to modify the object model to print force concentrating grooves for the breakaway supports. Groove programming may be implemented incontroller 58, for example, through amemory 24 withgroove generator instructions 32 and aprocessor 22 to executeinstructions 32, as described above with reference toFIG. 2 .Controller 58 may also include objectmodel analyzer instructions 28 and supportstructure designer instructions 30 shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one example of anobject structure 42 with anobject 44 and abreakaway support 46.Structure 42 may be a green part or a fully fused part before breaking away the support.Object 44 includes aspan 60 supported bysupport 46. In this example,span 60 is an overhang.Structure 42 includes agroove 62 betweenobject 44 andsupport 46. In this example, groove 62 is a wedge shaped groove that ends at aline 64 along which an inner portion ofsupport 46 intersects span 60. Also in this example, groove 62 is defined by abevel 66 along a top part ofsupport 46 and a flat 68 (not beveled) along a bottom part ofspan 60.FIG. 6 showssupport 46 breaking away fromobject 44 at the urging of abreakaway force 70 applied to the bottom part ofsupport 46. - Referring to the detail of
FIG. 7 , thebreadth 73 of thephysical line 64 along which along which an inner portion ofsupport 46 intersects span 60 is the printed equivalent of at least one voxel. Unlike a mathematical line, a physical line necessarily has breadth. The breadth of a printed voxel depends on the precision of the 3D printer. Thinner layers of build material and higher resolution agent applicators may be used to produce a narrower voxel and thus asharper line 64. Similarly, theangle 72 ofbevel 66 with respect to flat 68 is approximated by a series oftiny steps 74 alongsupport 46. Unlike milling machines and other subtractive analog manufacturing tools, 3D printers may not be able produce a continuous, smooth bevel. 3D printing is additive and digital. Consequently, a bevel is approximated by applying a binder or fusing agent digitally, voxel by voxel, turning the applicator on and off to apply the desired pattern of agent to each of successive layers of build material, producingsteps 74 shown inFIG. 7 . Thinner layers of build material and higher resolution agent applicators may be used to produce a better approximation of a smooth, continuous bevel. -
Groove 62 concentrates thebreakaway force 70 alongline 64 to reduce the force to initiate a break betweensupport 46 and fromobject 44. Agroove 62 may be designed to initiate the break at a force 70 (FIG. 6 ) below a threshold force whenforce 72 is exerted onsupport 46. In addition,groove 62 may be designed to facilitate removing powder from the groove. Although a straight groove may be used to achieve the desired breakaway force, a wedge shaped groove facilitates removing powder from the groove while still allowing a narrow line ofintersection 64. This is particularly desirable for green parts, which are depowdered before sintering. Any significant amount of powder in agroove 62 may become fixed and attached to the surrounding parts, causing a larger breakaway force and less clean fracture line. - The detail of
FIG. 8 shows one example offracture lines support 46 breaks away fromobject 44. The smoothness offracture lines material forming support 46 andobject 44 as well as the breadth ofline 64 and any unwanted powder remaining ingroove 62. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a modifiedobject model 20 with object slices 80 to print astructure 42 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 .Slices 80 may be part of the modified object model, as shown inFIG. 9 , or object slices 80 may be generated separately from the modified object model, for example by a 3D printer controller or by an object model processor distinct from the printer controller. Object slices 80 represent multiple digital slices used to print corresponding layers of the structure, as indicated byslice images 82A-82E inFIG. 9 .Slice images 82A-82E inFIG. 9 correspond tolayers 82A-82E instructure 42 shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates one example of amethod 100 for modifying an object model to generateslices 80 shown inFIG. 9 , to print aforce concentrating groove 62.Method 100 may be implemented, for example, by asupport structure generator 10 shown inFIG. 1 . Part numbers in the description ofmethod 100 refer toFIGS. 4-10 . Referring toFIG. 11 , the object model is analyzed to identify anyspans 60 in object 44 (block 102). Support(s) 46 and groove(s) 62 are designed for each span to achieve the desired breakaway forces (block 104). The object model is modified to include the support(s) and groove(s) (block 106). Object slices are generated within the modified object model, or separately based on the modified object model, with each slice defining those portions of a layer of build material to be printed to form astructure 42 that includes anobject 44, support(s) 46, and groove(s) 62 (block 108). - The design of each support and corresponding groove (or grooves) may include the size, shape and location of the support as well as the features that will be printed to define each groove. For example, the modified object model may define the length and angle of a
bevel 66 alongsupport 46 and a flat 68 alongobject 44. The modified object model may also set the resolution for printingsteps 74, and thus the breadth ofline 64 and smoothness ofangle 72, based on the characteristics of the build material, the thickness of each layer of build material, the precision of the agent applicator, and the desired breakaway force. Printers with higher resolution and thus more precise applicators and that are able to form thinner layers may printnarrower lines 64 andsmoother bevels 66. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another example of anobject structure 42. Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13 , astraight groove 62 ends at the line ofintersection 64 betweensupport 46 andspan 60. Thebreadth 73 ofgroove 62 may be as narrow as one voxel for a lower breakaway force and a cleaner break. Abroader groove 62, however, may desirable in some implementations to facilitate removing powder from the groove. - In the example shown in
FIG. 14 ,structure 42 includesmultiple supports 46 supporting a taperedspan 60 along a slope of the taper.Structure 42 includesgrooves 62 at each side of eachsupport 46. - In the example shown in
FIG. 15 , aninterface 86 is interposed betweenobject 44 andsupport 46.Groove 62 ends at aline 64 along which the inner portion ofsupport 46 intersectsinterface 86.Interface 86 further reduces the breakaway force and helps make a cleaner break. Examples of aninterface 86 are disclosed in international application no. PCT/US2018/029968 filed Apr. 27, 2018 and titled SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND INTERFACES. In one example, aninterface 86 is printed by applying an interface agent that forms a localized weaker region of build material betweenobject 44 andsupport 46. Depending on the type of interface agent, the physical properties ofinterface 86 may differ from those ofobject 44 andsupport 46. For example, some interface agents may include ceramic nanoparticles that weaken the interface betweenobject 44 andsupport 46 during binding or fusing. For another example, some interface agents may include chemicals that create gas pockets betweenobject 44 andsupport 46 during binding or fusing to weaken the interface. - Referring now to
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrating another example of anobject structure 42. In this example,span 60 extends betweenparts 84 ofobject 44 andstructure 42 includes agroove 62 at each side ofsupport 46. A breakaway force may be applied to either side ofsupport 46 to initiate a break at thecorresponding line 64. Theopposite groove 62 may also helpsupport 46 separate more cleanly fromobject 44. - As noted at the beginning of this Description, the examples shown in the figures and described above illustrate but do not limit the scope of the patent. Other examples are possible. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed to limit the scope of the patent, which is defined in the following Claims.
- “A” and “an” as used in the Claims means one or more.
Claims (16)
1. A system comprising:
a processor; and
a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to:
identify a breakaway support to support part of an object;
to design a groove between a portion of the object and the support, the groove ending at a line along which the support intersects and is integral or directly connected to the object;
generate a digital object model that includes the support and the groove; and
cause a 3D printer to print the object, support and groove based on the object model.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the groove is a wedge-shaped groove.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising the 3D printer.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to further:
generate multiple slices from the object model with each slice defining those portions of a layer of build material to be printed to form the object, support and groove.
5. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a 3D printing system to:
analyze a digital model of an object;
identify a breakaway support to support part of the object;
design a structural feature, including a shaped groove, to concentrate a breakaway force along a line where the support intersects and is integral or directly connected to the object;
modify the digital object model to include the support and the structural feature; and
print the object, support and groove based on the modified digital object model.
6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the groove is a wedge-shaped groove.
7. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the 3D printing system to generate multiple slices based on or within the modified digital object model, with each slice defining those portions of a layer of build material to be printed to form the support and the structural feature.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further case the 3D printing system to:
design the breakaway support integral to the object; and
design, as the structural feature, the shaped groove between a portion of the object and the support, the groove ending at the line along which the support intersects and is integral or directly connected to the object.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 5 , wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium is part of the 3D printing system, the 3D printing system including the processor.
10. A method for 3D printing an object, comprising:
identifying, by a processor, a span;
designing, by the processor, a breakaway support to support the span;
designing, by the processor, a groove to concentrate a breakaway force along a line where the support intersects the span and is integral or directly connected to the span;
generating, by the processor, digital object slices to print the span, support, and groove; and
printing, by the processor, the object using the digital object slices.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the groove is a wedge-shaped groove.
12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising:
analyzing, by the processor, a digital model of the object to identify the span;
modifying, by the processor, the object model to include the support and the groove; and
generating, by the processor, the digital object slices using a modified object model.
13. A physical object comprising:
a span;
a breakaway support to temporarily support the span; and
a structural feature, including a groove, to concentrate a breakaway force along a line where the support intersects the span and is integral or directly or directly connected to the span.
14. The physical object of claim 13 , wherein the groove is a wedge-shaped groove.
15. The physical object of claim 13 , wherein the groove is between a portion of the span and the support, the groove narrowing to the line along which an inner portion of the support intersects the span.
16. The physical object of claim 13 , wherein the groove is configured to initiate a break along the line in response to a force, below a threshold force, exerted on the breakaway support.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/126,264 US20230234139A1 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2023-03-24 | Break away support for 3d printing |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2018/053654 WO2020068133A1 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2018-09-29 | Break away support for 3d printing |
US202017051753A | 2020-10-29 | 2020-10-29 | |
US18/126,264 US20230234139A1 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2023-03-24 | Break away support for 3d printing |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/051,753 Continuation US11648612B2 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2018-09-29 | Break away support for 3D printing |
PCT/US2018/053654 Continuation WO2020068133A1 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2018-09-29 | Break away support for 3d printing |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230234139A1 true US20230234139A1 (en) | 2023-07-27 |
Family
ID=69950764
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/051,753 Active 2039-01-21 US11648612B2 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2018-09-29 | Break away support for 3D printing |
US18/126,264 Pending US20230234139A1 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2023-03-24 | Break away support for 3d printing |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/051,753 Active 2039-01-21 US11648612B2 (en) | 2018-09-29 | 2018-09-29 | Break away support for 3D printing |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11648612B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020068133A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170173879A1 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Fused filament fabrication extrusion nozzle with concentric rings |
US20170252820A1 (en) * | 2016-03-03 | 2017-09-07 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Semi-solid metallic additive fabrication with temperature control using force feedback |
BR102015007112A2 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2017-11-28 | General Electric Company | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICS, SYSTEM, CLOSED STEAM CHAMBER, THREE-DIMENSIONAL STEAM CHAMBER AND MODULAR CHASSI |
US20180304361A1 (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2018-10-25 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Precipitating a ceramic interface layer |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5503785A (en) | 1994-06-02 | 1996-04-02 | Stratasys, Inc. | Process of support removal for fused deposition modeling |
US6869559B2 (en) | 2003-05-05 | 2005-03-22 | Stratasys, Inc. | Material and method for three-dimensional modeling |
US20150250934A1 (en) * | 2014-03-07 | 2015-09-10 | James K. Min | Subject-Specific Artificial Organs and Methods for Making the Same |
US9656422B2 (en) | 2014-10-21 | 2017-05-23 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Three dimensional (3D) printer with near instantaneous object printing using a photo-curing liquid |
US10059053B2 (en) | 2014-11-04 | 2018-08-28 | Stratasys, Inc. | Break-away support material for additive manufacturing |
US20160207263A1 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2016-07-21 | Mark Christopher Gordon | Targeted cooling in a 3d printing system |
US10005239B2 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2018-06-26 | Delavan Inc. | Support structures for additive manufacturing techniques |
JP2017052177A (en) * | 2015-09-09 | 2017-03-16 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Method for manufacturing three-dimensional molded object, support material for three-dimensional molding, support material cartridge for three-dimensional molding, and composition set for three-dimensional molding |
FR3046556B1 (en) * | 2016-01-07 | 2023-11-03 | Snecma | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PARTS BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING |
US10357828B2 (en) * | 2016-02-11 | 2019-07-23 | General Electric Company | Methods and leading edge supports for additive manufacturing |
US20170297102A1 (en) | 2016-04-14 | 2017-10-19 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Removable sinter supports |
WO2018049365A1 (en) | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Sabic Global Technologies B.V. | Sacrificial high heat support materials for additive manufacturing processes |
WO2018102731A1 (en) * | 2016-12-02 | 2018-06-07 | Markforged, Inc. | Additively manufactured parts with debinding acceleration |
US20180154441A1 (en) | 2016-12-07 | 2018-06-07 | General Electric Company | Methods and table supports for additive manufacturing |
US10533901B2 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2020-01-14 | General Electric Company | Imaging system for inspecting components of turbomachines and method of assembly thereof |
-
2018
- 2018-09-29 WO PCT/US2018/053654 patent/WO2020068133A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-09-29 US US17/051,753 patent/US11648612B2/en active Active
-
2023
- 2023-03-24 US US18/126,264 patent/US20230234139A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BR102015007112A2 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2017-11-28 | General Electric Company | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICS, SYSTEM, CLOSED STEAM CHAMBER, THREE-DIMENSIONAL STEAM CHAMBER AND MODULAR CHASSI |
US20170173879A1 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Fused filament fabrication extrusion nozzle with concentric rings |
US20170252820A1 (en) * | 2016-03-03 | 2017-09-07 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Semi-solid metallic additive fabrication with temperature control using force feedback |
US20180304361A1 (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2018-10-25 | Desktop Metal, Inc. | Precipitating a ceramic interface layer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2020068133A1 (en) | 2020-04-02 |
US11648612B2 (en) | 2023-05-16 |
US20210237161A1 (en) | 2021-08-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP6412180B2 (en) | Method for additive manufacturing and leading edge support | |
JP3556923B2 (en) | Selective control of mechanical properties by construction of stereolithography modeling style | |
EP3205427B1 (en) | Methods for building supports in an additive manufacturing process | |
EP2991818B1 (en) | Method of eliminating sub-surface porosity | |
US10661333B2 (en) | Casting method using combined 3D printed shell mold and the combined shell mold used in the method | |
CN108746626B (en) | Printing method of fused deposition molded metal three-dimensional printer | |
US10406744B2 (en) | Generating three-dimensional objects | |
CN109072600B (en) | 3D printing | |
US8452440B2 (en) | Method of forming an article | |
US10981322B2 (en) | Process for the accelerated production of objects by means of generative manufacturing | |
WO2016017155A1 (en) | Method for producing three-dimensionally shaped molded article, and three-dimensionally shaped molded article | |
US20190126560A1 (en) | 3d print definition procedures | |
EP3096926A1 (en) | Cutting blade | |
US11077463B2 (en) | Method for the layered manufacturing of a structural component and device | |
US20170225252A1 (en) | Additive manufacturing | |
US20170157857A1 (en) | Adjusting process parameters to reduce conglomerated powder | |
KR101669627B1 (en) | Anti-fall device for 3D printer of the DLP method | |
WO2020088967A1 (en) | Thermoelectric removal of support structures | |
JP6385145B2 (en) | Structure manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus | |
US20230234139A1 (en) | Break away support for 3d printing | |
JP3599056B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of three-dimensional shaped object | |
CN109047759B (en) | Laser scanning method for improving interlayer strength and reducing warping deformation | |
EP3880434B1 (en) | Three-dimensional article with sacrificed support defined with build material | |
WO2019209327A1 (en) | Modifying object volumes based on locally predicted temperatures | |
KR101922793B1 (en) | Three-dimensional printer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCKINNELL, JAMES CHARLES;REEL/FRAME:063098/0021 Effective date: 20180928 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |