초록 ▼

Devices, systems, and methods are directed to the use of vapor phase change in binder jetting processes for forming three-dimensional objects. In general, a vapor of a first fluid may be directed to a layer of a powder spread across a build volume. The vapor may condense to reduce mobility of the pa

Devices, systems, and methods are directed to the use of vapor phase change in binder jetting processes for forming three-dimensional objects. In general, a vapor of a first fluid may be directed to a layer of a powder spread across a build volume. The vapor may condense to reduce mobility of the particles of the powder of the layer. For example, the condensing vapor may reduce the likelihood of particle ejection from the layer and, thus, may reduce the likelihood of clogging or otherwise degrading a printhead used to jet a second fluid (e.g., a binder) to the layer. Further, or instead, the condensing vapor may increase the density of the powder in the layer which, when repeated over a plurality of layers forming a three-dimensional object, may reduce the likelihood of slumping of the part during sintering.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of forming an object using binder jet additive manufacturing, the method comprising: forming a layer of powder within a build chamber;generating a first fluid in a vapor phase;adjusting or maintaining an environment within the build chamber to affect a condensation of the first fluid fro

1. A method of forming an object using binder jet additive manufacturing, the method comprising: forming a layer of powder within a build chamber;generating a first fluid in a vapor phase;adjusting or maintaining an environment within the build chamber to affect a condensation of the first fluid from the vapor phase to a liquid phase; andcondensing the first fluid from the vapor phase to the liquid phase on at least a portion of the layer of powder. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting or maintaining the environment within the build chamber includes controlling a temperature of at least a portion of the layer of powder to below a dew point of the first fluid in the vapor phase.