Method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional articles
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorsQuinlan Y. Shuck, Jacque S. Bader
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article. The method includes establishing control commands effective to form a three-dimensional article and dispensing a first layer of particulate material onto a build platform. The method also includes irradiating the first layer of particulate material with microwaves and guiding a directed energy, according to the control commands, at the first layer of particulate material to form a first consolidated layer of the three-dimensional article.
Claims20
A method for forming a three-dimensional article comprising:
- a. establishing control commands effective to form a three-dimensional article;
- b. dispensing a first layer of particulate material onto a build platform;
- c. irradiating the first layer of particulate material with microwaves;
- and
- d. guiding a directed energy beam according to control commands at the first layer of particulate material to form a first consolidated layer of the three-dimensional article.
An additive manufacturing apparatus for the creation of a three-dimensional article comprising:
- a. a build platform;
- b. a particulate spreader configured to move horizontally relative to the build platform;
- c. a galvanometer configured to guide a directed energy beam used to form a three-dimensional article toward the build platform;
- and
- d. a microwave emitter positioned above the build platform, wherein the microwave emitter is configured to emit microwaves having wavelengths sufficient to couple with a particulate material.
An additive manufacturing apparatus for the creation of a three-dimensional article comprising a build platform, a particulate spreader, a galvanometer, and a directed energy beam, wherein the improvement comprises the addition of a microwave emitter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.