Surface Equalization Apparatus

A method of removing support structure material in a surface equalization apparatus, comprising:

• providing a part-containing tank having a oblong shape;
• filling the part-containing tank with a media;
• attaching a motor mount to an outer surface of the base in a location offset from a center of the base of the part-containing tank;
• placing an eccentric motor on the motor mount;
• powering the motor to create a rotational flow of the media within the tank;
• placing a part in the part-containing tank;
• suspending the part in the media;
• and
• removing surface material from the part.

A surface equalization apparatus, comprising:

• a part-containing tank having a cylindrical upper portion and a spherical segment as a base;
• a media within the tank;
• a motor mount attached to an outer surface of the base in a location offset from a center of a base of the part-containing tank;
• at least one eccentric motor attached to the motor mount, and
• a plurality of springs attached to the tank.

A surface equalization apparatus for smoothing additively manufactured parts, comprising:

• a part-containing tank for holding a fluidized solid media;
• springs supporting the part-containing tank, wherein the springs support the part-containing tank at a top portion thereof;
• and
• a motor connected to the part-containing tank at an angle offset from a vertical axis of the part-containing tank to impart motion to the part-containing tank at the angle offset from the vertical axis of the part-containing tank to create a rotational flow of the fluidized solid media within the part-containing tank.

A system for smoothing additively manufactured parts, comprising:

• a surface equalization apparatus comprising:
• a part-containing tank;
• springs supporting the part-containing tank, wherein the springs support the part-containing tank at a top portion thereof;
• and
• a motor connected to the part-containing tank at an angle offset from a vertical axis of the part-containing tank to impart a vibratory motion to the part-containing tank at the angle offset from the vertical axis of the part-containing tank;
• and
• fluidized solid media located in the part-containing tank of said surface equalization apparatus.