Apparatus and method for support removal
AssigneePostProcess Technologies, Inc.
InventorDaniel Joshua Hutchinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for removing support material from a part formed by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The support removal machine contains a tank for submersion of a 3D printed part into a liquid mass. The liquid mass circulates in the tank in a controlled manner such that submerged parts remain centrally suspended in the tank, regardless of the material, density and geometry comprising the part. The part circulates and rotates in conjunction with the rotational flow of the liquid mass for uniform exposure to means of support removal. During rotation, the part may be subjected to multiple means of agitation that include heat, chemical and ultrasonic, in order to optimize energy use and maximize efficiency of the removal of support material.
Claims19
A method for removing support material from a 3D printed part comprising:
- propelling a liquid from at least one nozzle in a part-containing tank;
- generating a rotational flow in a liquid mass contained in the part-containing tank;
- and
- suspending the 3D printed part in the rotational flow in the liquid mass contained in the part-containing tank,
- wherein the support material from the 3D printed part is removed.
A method for removing support material from 3D printed parts comprising:
- pumping a liquid from an input tank into a part-containing tank;
- generating a rotational flow in a liquid mass contained in the part-containing tank;
- and
- suspending the 3D printed parts in the rotational flow in the liquid mass contained in the part-containing tank,
- wherein the support material from the 3D printed parts is removed.
A method for removing support material from a 3D printed part comprising:
- creating a vortex in a liquid mass contained in a part-containing tank, wherein said step of creating a vortex comprises:
- propelling a liquid from nozzle orifices in the part-containing tank;
- and
- directing flow of the liquid along a side of the part-containing tank;
- and
- suspending the 3D printed part in the vortex in the liquid mass contained in the part-containing tank,
- wherein support material from the 3D printed part is removed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.