Powder regulating device
AssigneeMorphica S.R.L.
InventorsSante Calefati, Nicolai Valenti
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Some embodiments relate to a powder regulating device for additive manufacturing is described, designed to create three-dimensional objects starting from a digital 3D model by sintering the layers with the use of a dust collection and arrangement system, a laser source, an optical system and mechanical means suitable for depositing a powder bed of materials such as metals, plastics, resins, polymers and composite components on a work surface.
Claims9
A powder regulating device with powder distribution from above in a direction of collection areas and accurate regulation of a “dose factor” by an horizontal operation of pistons, comprising:
- two ducts designed to collect and convey particles of metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material in two collection areas, the ducts being connected to an upper surface of a laser operating machine with two pistons;
- a working plate, designed to house a bed of metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material, operatively connected to a piston;
- a doctor blade or recoater configured to spread the bed of metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material on the working plate;
- a first pair of pistons operatively connected to ends of the ducts, the first pair of pistons configured to introduce a predetermined quantity of the metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material into the collection areas;
- a second pair of pistons disposed adjacent the collection areas and operatively connected to right and left ends of a lower part of the working plate, the second pair of pistons each having a horizontal surface configured to raise a level of the metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material within the collection areas to a level of a doctor blade or recoater;
- and
- an optical system designed to convey and focus an electromagnetic radiation beam emitted by a laser source in a predetermined area of the working plate, the optical system being connected to an upper surface of a laser operating machine,
- wherein the two ducts each have an opening, each opening faces in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal surface of each of the second pair of pistons,
- wherein the ducts designed to collect and convey particles of metal powder and/or resin and/or polymeric material in two collection areas, are provided at a left and a right end of a shape of inverted “L” and “L” of the first pair of pistons necessary to introduce a predetermined quantity of the metal powder particles and/or resin and/or polymeric material by operating in a horizontal direction in the collection areas, ensuring a lower waste of powder and consequently a controlled recycling process, the pistons operatively connected to the ends of the ducts of a machine tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.