A system and method are disclosed for removing resin from 3D printed objects. The system includes a housing in which is located a fixture adapted for attaching on a bottom side thereof a build tray, which is a component of a 3D printer upon which 3D printed objects are manufactured and which is removable from the 3D printer. The system also includes a lift mechanism located in the housing and connected to the fixture. The lift mechanism moves the fixture from an upper position to a lower position to immerse the build tray with the 3D printed parts in a container of a liquid formulation that removes resin from the 3D printed objects. The system may also provide for rinsing and curing the 3D printed objects after the unwanted resin has been removed.
B29C 71/00 - Post-traitement d'objets sans modification de leur forme; Appareils à cet effet
B33Y 40/20 - Posttraitement, p.ex. durcissement, revêtement ou polissage
B08B 3/10 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations
B29C 64/188 - Procédés de fabrication additive impliquant des opérations supplémentaires effectuées sur les couches ajoutées, p.ex. lissage, meulage ou contrôle d’épaisseur
The disclosure relates to compositions or finishing solutions configured to treat the surface of and reduce the brittleness of the surface of an additively manufactured object (e.g., following a cleaning of the object to remove unwanted material from the surface of the object). In one example, the finishing solution includes a diol, a surfactant, and water. In certain examples, the diol is a glycol such as hexylene glycol and the surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol.
B29C 64/106 - Procédés de fabrication additive n’utilisant que des matériaux liquides ou visqueux, p.ex. dépôt d’un cordon continu de matériau visqueux
B29C 64/112 - Procédés de fabrication additive n’utilisant que des matériaux liquides ou visqueux, p.ex. dépôt d’un cordon continu de matériau visqueux utilisant des gouttelettes individuelles, p.ex. de buses de jet
C11D 7/00 - Compositions détergentes formées essentiellement de composés non tensio-actifs
B29C 64/00 - Fabrication additive, c. à d. fabrication d’objets en trois dimensions [3D] par dépôt additif, agglomération additive ou stratification additive, p.ex. par impression en 3D, stéréolithographie ou frittage laser sélectif
3.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FINISHING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED OBJECTS USING A DIRECTED FLUID SPRAY AGAINST A REFLECTION PANEL
An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing support material from additively manufactured parts or smoothing surfaces of additively manufactured parts. The apparatus includes a chamber having a component that positions the additively manufactured parts in the chamber. A chemical formulation is sprayed at the additively manufactured parts from below. The spray impacts a reflection panel located above the additively manufactured parts and is redirected downward onto the additively manufactured parts from above thereby removing support material from the additively manufactured parts or smoothing surfaces of the additively manufactured parts.
A system and method are disclosed for additively manufacturing an object to facilitate smoothing a surface of the object. An evaluation is made whether positioning the object with a specific orientation in a finishing apparatus is desirable and if so, the object is printed with an alignment feature. After printing the object, the object is positioned in the finishing apparatus using the alignment feature to provide the specific orientation in the finishing apparatus and the finishing apparatus is operated to smooth the surface of object. After smoothing the surface of the object, the alignment feature may be removed if necessary.
B29C 64/393 - Acquisition ou traitement de données pour la fabrication additive pour la commande ou la régulation de procédés de fabrication additive
B29C 64/386 - Acquisition ou traitement de données pour la fabrication additive
B29C 64/188 - Procédés de fabrication additive impliquant des opérations supplémentaires effectuées sur les couches ajoutées, p.ex. lissage, meulage ou contrôle d’épaisseur
B29C 64/20 - Fabrication additive, c. à d. fabrication d’objets en trois dimensions [3D] par dépôt additif, agglomération additive ou stratification additive, p.ex. par impression en 3D, stéréolithographie ou frittage laser sélectif - Détails ou accessoires à cet effet
B33Y 50/02 - Acquisition ou traitement de données pour la fabrication additive pour la commande ou la régulation de procédés de fabrication additive
B33Y 30/00 - Appareils pour la fabrication additive; Leurs parties constitutives ou accessoires à cet effet
B22F 12/00 - Appareils ou dispositifs spécialement adaptés à la fabrication additive; Moyens auxiliaires pour la fabrication additive; Combinaisons d’appareils ou de dispositifs pour la fabrication additive avec d’autres appareils ou dispositifs de traitement ou de fabrication
5.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF SUPPORT MATERIAL OR RESIN FROM ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED PARTS
An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The apparatus includes a processing pump at least a portion of which is located in or adjacent to a processing tank filled with a liquid formulation suitable for removal of support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The processing pump is adapted to create a vortex within the liquid formulation in the processing tank.
An improved exhaust system and method for an apparatus that removes support material from additively manufactured parts is disclosed. The apparatus includes an enclosed chamber in which the additively manufactured parts are placed. A heated detergent fluid is sprayed at the additively manufactured parts. The improved exhaust system exhausts heated air from the chamber. The improved exhaust system includes an exhaust channel having an inlet end open to the chamber through which heated air from the chamber is caused to flow. Relatively cooler air is caused to flow across the outside of the exhaust channel. When the heated air from the chamber encounters the exhaust channel across which the relatively cooler air is caused to flow, evaporated fluids in the heated air condense and fall back into the chamber. The improved exhaust system can be retrofitted onto older models of the support removal apparatus that do not have the improved exhaust system.
B22F 10/62 - Traitement de pièces ou d'articles après leur formation par des moyens chimiques
B33Y 30/00 - Appareils pour la fabrication additive; Leurs parties constitutives ou accessoires à cet effet
B08B 3/02 - Nettoyage par la force de jets ou de pulvérisations
B08B 7/04 - Nettoyage par des procédés non prévus dans une seule autre sous-classe ou un seul groupe de la présente sous-classe par une combinaison d'opérations
7.
COMPOSITIONS FOR REMOVING RESIN AND CERAMIC FROM A SURFACE OF AN OBJECT AND METHODS OF USING SUCH COMPOSITIONS
Compositions or finishing solutions configured to remove unwanted material, such as uncured resin and ceramic filler, from surfaces of additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. The finishing solutions may be configured to remove such uncured resin and ceramic filler through submersion of the object in the finishing solution and agitating the submerged object at an ultrasonic frequency, without subjecting the object to any subsequent mechanical acts (such as brushing, sanding, or bead blasting) to remove any remaining uncured resin and/or ceramic filler from the object. In one example, the finishing solution includes a first glycol ether and a second glycol ether and/or a high flash point hydrocarbon, wherein the finishing solution has a flash point of at least 93.3°C. In alternative examples, the finishing solution may also include a third glycol ether, a high flash point alcohol, and/or an acetate of a glycol ether.
A system and method are disclosed for removal of unwanted material from additively manufactured parts by application of vibratory and/or acoustic energy. The system and method include a vibratory platform located in a chamber. Additively manufactured parts having unwanted material adhered thereto are placed on the vibratory platform. The platform is caused to vibrate thereby causing the unwanted material to detach from the parts. The system and method may also include the application of acoustic energy to cause unwanted material to detach from the parts. Advantageously, the unwanted material removed from the additively manufactured object can be recycled.
B08B 7/02 - Nettoyage par des procédés non prévus dans une seule autre sous-classe ou un seul groupe de la présente sous-classe par distorsion, battage ou vibration de la surface à nettoyer
B08B 3/12 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations par des vibrations soniques ou ultrasoniques
B29C 64/255 - Enceintes pour le matériau de construction, p.ex. récipients pour poudre
B22F 10/00 - Fabrication additive de pièces ou d’objets à partir de poudres métalliques
Compositions or finishing solutions configured to remove unwanted material, such as uncured material or resin, from additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein, in one example, the finishing solution includes a first glycol ether and a second glycol ether and/or a high flash point hydrocarbon, wherein the finishing solution has a flash point of at least 93.3°C. In alternative examples, the finishing solution may also include a third glycol ether, a high flash point alcohol, and/or an acetate of a glycol ether.
A system and method are disclosed for additively manufacturing an object having an internal chase. The system and method include evaluating a print design file that defines physical properties of the object to be printed with the additive manufacturing process to determine whether the object can be printed with a removable plug located inside the internal chase, and if so, modifying the print design file to include the removable plug. The object is then printed with the removable plug, which is removed prior to removing the support material.
B22F 7/06 - Fabrication de couches composites, de pièces ou d'objets à base de poudres métalliques, par frittage avec ou sans compactage de pièces ou objets composés de parties différentes, p.ex. pour former des outils à embouts rapportés
B22F 10/38 - Commande ou régulation des opérations pour obtenir des caractéristiques spécifiques du produit, p.ex. le lissage de la surface, la densité, la porosité ou des structures creuses
B22F 10/47 - Structures destinées à soutenir des pièces ou des articles pendant la fabrication et retirées par la suite caractérisées par des caractéristiques structurelles
B22F 10/66 - Traitement de pièces ou d'articles après leur formation par des moyens mécaniques
B33Y 80/00 - Produits obtenus par fabrication additive
11.
VISION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT REMOVAL USING DIRECTED ATOMIZED AND SEMI-ATOMIZED FLUID
An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, one or more nozzles within the chamber, a tank positioned below the nozzles, and a vision system. The vision system includes one or more cameras and other imagery obtaining sensors located in the chamber. The cameras and sensors obtain imagery of the additively manufactured part as it is being sprayed to finish the part. The imagery is displayed on a display panel located outside the apparatus or stored for later playback.
Neutralizing compositions for neutralizing caustic or basic waste compositions or solutions are disclosed herein. In one example, the neutralizing composition includes an acidic composition; a first pH indicator configured to provide a visual indication of a change in pH from a basic pH to a neutral pH; and a second pH indicator configured to provide a visual indication of a change in pH from a neutral pH to an acidic pH.
A surface finishing apparatus and method for smoothing and coloring parts made by additive-manufacturing technologies is disclosed. The surface finishing apparatus includes a tank or chamber into which a part is placed. A colorant is added. The part is both colored and smoothed until the part is at a desired smoothness and color. The part may be smoothed by different suitable smoothing technologies, including abrading with solid media, spraying with a liquid fluid, spraying with solid particles entrained in a liquid fluid, or submersing in a liquid vortex. Also disclosed is a composition for a colorant for a finishing process that smooths a surface of an additively manufactured part while coloring the additively manufactured part.
B29C 64/188 - Procédés de fabrication additive impliquant des opérations supplémentaires effectuées sur les couches ajoutées, p.ex. lissage, meulage ou contrôle d’épaisseur
B29C 59/00 - Façonnage de surface, p.ex. gaufrage; Appareils à cet effet
B29C 71/00 - Post-traitement d'objets sans modification de leur forme; Appareils à cet effet
An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part (the "AM part") is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, one or more nozzles within the chamber, a tank positioned below the nozzles, and a diverter positioned between the nozzles and the tank. The support surface may be configured to support the AM part and may have one or more openings configured to allow the fluid to pass through the opening(s). The nozzles may be configured to spray a fluid at the AM part, and the spray may be an atomized or semiatomized spray of the fluid. The diverter comprises an umbrella or a diverter shield and diverts sprayed fluid from directly impacting the fluid being collected in the tank, whereby foaming of the fluid in the tank is reduced.
Systems and methods according to the invention are used for removal of unwanted material from an additively manufactured object by application of sonic energy are disclosed. Application of sound at specific frequencies, specific amplitudes and specific waveforms to specific materials causes physical displacement of such materials. When applied to objects formed by additive manufacturing and unwanted material formed with such objects, the displacement causes the unwanted material to break away from the object. Advantageously, the unwanted material removed from the additively manufactured object can be recycled.
B08B 3/12 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations par des vibrations soniques ou ultrasoniques
Methods using formulations for processing a manufactured metal or metal-alloy object, in particular a metal or metal-alloy object manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, are disclosed. Methods, systems and equipment for using the formulations to remove excess materials from the surface, remove support materials, and/or modify the surface of a metal or metal-alloy manufactured object are also disclosed.
A finishing solution and a method for using the finishing solution for removing resin and/or support material from an object made by an additive manufacturing process, such as stereolithography (SLA), are disclosed. The finishing solution comprises 20-50% by weight of a terpene and 20-60% by weight of a glycol ether.
Described are finishing solutions for removing support material and finishing 3D- printed objects. The finishing solution may contain a base (e.g., an aqueous base), an optional first caustic agent, an optional second caustic agent, an optional third caustic agent, an optional emulsifier, a polyol, a first antifoaming agent, an optional second antifoaming agent, and water. Also described are methods of using the finishing solution described herein.
Described are fluidic finishing solutions for removing unwanted resin and/or support material from a 3D printed object, such as an object produced by stereolithography, The compositions are aqueous solutions having a terpene, a hydrotrope, at least one glycol ether, an emulsifier, and a caustic agent. Also described are methods of using the finishing solutions.
B08B 3/04 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide
B08B 3/08 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide le liquide ayant un effet chimique ou dissolvant
B08B 3/10 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations
B29C 33/44 - Moules ou noyaux; Leurs détails ou accessoires comportant des moyens ou conçus spécialement pour faciliter le démoulage d'objets, p.ex. des objets à contre-dépouille
B29C 41/42 - Démoulage des objets formés, des moules, des noyaux ou d'autres supports
B29C 64/106 - Procédés de fabrication additive n’utilisant que des matériaux liquides ou visqueux, p.ex. dépôt d’un cordon continu de matériau visqueux
20.
COMPOSITIONS FOR REMOVING SUPPORT MATERIAL FROM A 3-D PRINTED OBJECT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
Described are aqueous finishing solutions for removing unwanted support material from a 3D-printed object, such as an object produced by Polyjet or FDM techniques. The compositions have a base, an optional filler, an optional first caustic agent, an optional second caustic agent, a glycol ether, an antifoaming agent, and water. Also described are methods of using the finishing solutions.
C04B 35/04 - Produits céramiques mis en forme, caractérisés par leur composition; Compositions céramiques; Traitement de poudres de composés inorganiques préalablement à la fabrication de produits céramiques à base d'oxydes à base d'oxyde de magnésium, d'oxyde de calcium ou de mélanges d'oxydes dérivés de la dolomite à base d'oxyde de magnésium
C04B 35/63 - Préparation ou traitement des poudres individuellement ou par fournées utilisant des additifs spécialement adaptés à la formation des produits
Described are finishing mediums for removing support material and/or for surface finishing of objects made via additive manufacturing techniques. The finishing medium is an aqueous solution containing 1-20% by weight a polyol, 1-20% by weight an anti-corrosion agent, 0.001-10% by weight a hydrotrope. The finishing medium may optionally suspend media particles, thereby forming a finishing suspension. Also described are methods of using the finishing media and finishing suspensions described herein.
Methods and systems according to the invention may be used to modify a manufacturing plan for an object manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. A digital representation of a desired object and a manufacturing plan may be compared to manufacturing information generated via an evaluation of such an object. Based on that comparison, the manufacturing plan may be modified so that that object or a subsequent object is highly similar to the desired object.
B29C 41/02 - Façonnage par revêtement d'un moule, noyau ou autre support, c. à d. par dépôt de la matière à mouler et démoulage de l'objet formé; Appareils à cet effet pour la fabrication d'objets de longueur définie, c. à d. d'objets séparés
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
23.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT REMOVAL USING DIRECTED ATOMIZED AND SEMI-ATOMIZED FLUID
An apparatus and method for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additively manufactured part (the "AM part") is disclosed. The apparatus may include a chamber, a support surface within the chamber, and one or more nozzles within the chamber. The nozzles may be the same size or different sizes. The support surface may be configured to support the AM part. The support surface may have one or more openings sized and configured to allow the fluid to pass through the opening(s). The nozzles may be configured to spray a fluid at the AM part, and the spray may be an atomized or semi-atomized spray of the fluid.
B05B 14/40 - Aménagements pour collecter, réutiliser ou éliminer le matériau de pulvérisation excédentaire pour une utilisation dans des cabines de pulvérisation
24.
METHOD AND APPARATUS OF CHEMICAL DETECTION TO PREVENT PROCESS DEGRADATION
A method and an apparatus for detecting whether a liquid comprising one or more improper substances or an improper amount of one or more substances has been added to a system for removing support material from and/or smoothing a surface of a part made by additive manufacturing. The apparatus may have a sample material that is altered if the improper fluid contacts the sample material. The alteration may be due to characteristics of the improper fluid at the time the improper fluid is added to the system. In some embodiments of the invention, the sample material is capable of chemically reacting with the improper fluid. The apparatus also includes a sensor capable of detecting whether the sample material has been altered.
Apparatuses and methods for removing support material from and/or smoothing surfaces of an additive-manufactured part are disclosed. Apparatuses may include a spraying chamber, a support surface within the spraying chamber, and one or more nozzles having the ability to spray a fluid at the additive-manufactured parts. The fluid may include a liquid and solid particles carried by the liquid. The support surface may have the ability to support the additive manufactured part. The apparatus may include a tank having the ability to hold at least some of the fluid, A heater may be included for heating the fluid to a desired temperature.
B29C 64/188 - Procédés de fabrication additive impliquant des opérations supplémentaires effectuées sur les couches ajoutées, p.ex. lissage, meulage ou contrôle d’épaisseur
B08B 3/02 - Nettoyage par la force de jets ou de pulvérisations
B08B 3/04 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide
B08B 3/10 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations
A process for removing support material from a part made by an additive manufacturing process is disclosed. The part may be arranged in a media filled tank. Ultrasonic waves are directed for the part and/or support material. Ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer are applied to a part or support material and cause the part to vibrate. The frequency of the ultrasonic energy may be tuned to cause the part and/or the support material to vibrate at its resonant frequency. The support material may have different properties, such as density, geometry, material, or porosity. Such differences may allow the support material to resonate in response to the applied ultrasonic energy waves at a different ultrasonic frequency than, the part itself.
B08B 3/12 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide avec traitement supplémentaire du liquide ou de l'objet en cours de nettoyage, p.ex. par la chaleur, par l'électricité ou par des vibrations par des vibrations soniques ou ultrasoniques
27.
SELF-MODIFYING AGITATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT REMOVAL IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING AND 3D PRINTED MATERIAL
A process for support material removal for 3D printed parts wherein the part is placed in a media filled tank and support removal is optimized in a multi-parameter system through an artificial intelligence process which may include, but is not limited to, the use of historical data, parametric testing data, normal support removal data, and outputs from other support removal AI models to generate optimally efficient use of each parameter in terms of pulse repetition interval (PRI) and cycle time as defined by pulse width (PW). The input parameters may include heat, circulation, ultrasound and chemical reaction, which are used in sequence and/or in parallel, to optimize efficiency of support removal. Sequentially and/or in parallel, heat, pump circulation and ultrasound may vary in application or intensity. Selection of means of agitation depends on monitored feedback from the support removal tank and application of a statistically dynamic rule based system (SDRBS).
A surface equalization apparatus designed to be compatible with a wide variety of part technologies, composite materials and part geometries. The apparatus works with software, chemistry, abrasives and media and includes an oblong, elongated input tank for holding media and a part. The input tank is connected to a motor mount, which is connected to an eccentric motor. When the motor is activated, the input tank begins to move in a vibrational, sinusoidal manner. The motion of the tank on attached springs generates a rotational flow of media in the tank. This creates a low amplitude/high frequency movement of the part through the tank. Surface structures divert media to prevent the part from contacting the side of the tank. Spray nozzles are positioned above the input tank. Acoustic damping foam is positioned around the central components. A cooling fan allows airflow through the apparatus.
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.
B08B 3/02 - Nettoyage par la force de jets ou de pulvérisations
B08B 7/00 - Nettoyage par des procédés non prévus dans une seule autre sous-classe ou un seul groupe de la présente sous-classe
B28B 17/00 - FAÇONNAGE DE L'ARGILE OU D'AUTRES COMPOSITIONS CÉRAMIQUES; FAÇONNAGE DE SCORIES; FAÇONNAGE DE MÉLANGES CONTENANT DES SUBSTANCES ANALOGUES AU CIMENT, p.ex. DU PLÂTRE - Parties constitutives ou accessoires de l'appareillage à façonner le matériau; Mesures auxiliaires prises en liaison avec un tel façonnage
B29C 71/00 - Post-traitement d'objets sans modification de leur forme; Appareils à cet effet
C23G 5/02 - Nettoyage ou dégraissage des matériaux métalliques par d'autres méthodes; Appareils pour le nettoyage ou le dégraissage de matériaux métalliques au moyen de solvants organiques au moyen de solvants organiques
C23G 5/06 - Nettoyage ou dégraissage des matériaux métalliques par d'autres méthodes; Appareils pour le nettoyage ou le dégraissage de matériaux métalliques au moyen de solvants organiques au moyen d'émulsions
brevets
