Powder Dispersion and Containment System for Additive Manufacturing Print Cartridge

Abstract

A method and an assembly of a powder dispersion mechanism in a powder bed fusion manufacturing assembly that enables efficient powder use, flow, and dispersion. In one embodiment a powder dispersion assembly can include a print cartridge coupled to a powder dispersion assembly. A powder hopper is configured to contain a powder positioned below the print cartridge and have a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the powder from the powder hopper to a powder dispersion mechanism. Dispersed powder is directed to a build plate. The assembly can be configured to disperse powder evenly on a print plate to improve metallurgical properties of a part to be manufactured. Excess powder can be recaptured and reintroduced into the system to improve overall efficiency of the system

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.