Method and apparatus for fabrication of three-dimensional metal articles by weld deposition
OwnerFritz B. Prinz, Lee E. Weissinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object, successive layers of metal are welded together to build the object. After each layer is formed a complementary material is placed adjacent the layer. In this manner, layers of material form a block of welded metal and complementary material. Then, all or a portion of the complementary material which serves as a support structure during forming can be removed. The welded layers are milled to a final shape either after each layer is formed or after all layers have been made. Existing CNG machines can be easily modified to practice the method.
Claims21
A method for fabrication of a three dimensional metal article comprising the steps of
- a) positioning a substrate in a work area;
- b) welding successive layers of metal onto the substrate each layer corresponding to a cross section through the article;
- c) placing successive layers of a complementary material so that the complementary material is adjacent to each layer of metal;
- d) removing the complementary material;
- and
- e) removing the substrate.
A method for the fabrication of a three dimensional metal article comprising the steps of
- a) positioning a substrate in a work area;
- b) welding successive layers of metal onto the substrate each layer corresponding to a cross section through the article;
- c) placing a complementary powder so that a portion of the powder is near the successive layers and bound together into a mass adjacent the successive layers and another portion of the powder is not bound together;
- d) removing the complementary material;
- and
- e) removing the substrate.
A method for the fabrication of a three dimensional metal article comprising the steps of
- a) positioning a substrate in a work area;
- b) welding successive layers of metal onto the substrate each layer corresponding to a cross section through the article;
- c) placing a complementary material so that the complementary material is adjacent to each layer of metal;
- d) skimming away excess complementary material;
- e) removing the complementary material;
- and
- f) removing the substrate.
A method for the fabrication of a three dimensional metal article comprising the steps of:
- a) positioning a substrate in a work area;
- b) welding successive layers of metal onto the substrate each layer corresponding to a cross section through the article;
- c) using one of a spray source, a gravity feed device and a manually operated device to place a complementary material so that the complementary material is adjacent to each layer of metal;
- d) removing the complementary material;
- and
- e) removing the substrate.
A method for the fabrication of a three dimensional metal article comprising the steps of
- a) positioning a substrate in a work area;
- b) welding successive layers of metal onto the substrate each layer corresponding to a cross section through the article;
- c) placing successive layers of a complementary material so that the complementary material is adjacent to each layer of metal;
- d) shot peening at least a portion of the successive layers of metal;
- e) removing the complementary material;
- and
- f) removing the substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.