초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed that uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader.

A method and apparatus for dispensing and distributing a powder is disclosed that uses a rotary dispenser to dispense the powder by gravity onto a movable platen, the platen being movable to a position adjacent to a build bed where the powder can be distributed across the build bed using a spreader. The method and apparatus are also suited to dispensing of a plurality of powders used in build beds for solid free-form fabrication and three-dimensional printing. It is preferred that a powder contacting surface of the apparatus be coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of: an anodized finish, a hardcoat anodized finish, siloxane, baked enamel, electroplated enamel, electroless nickel, coated elastomer, laminated elastomer, dipped latex, sprayed latex, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, or a polyester.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for dispensing and distributing powder, comprising:a hopper for containing a powder to be dispensed; a rotary dispenser for measuring and dispensing a volume of the powder onto a platen, said rotary dispenser being mounted horizontally at the bottom of said hopper; the platen for car

1. An apparatus for dispensing and distributing powder, comprising:a hopper for containing a powder to be dispensed; a rotary dispenser for measuring and dispensing a volume of the powder onto a platen, said rotary dispenser being mounted horizontally at the bottom of said hopper; the platen for carrying the powder, said platen disposed horizontally below said hopper and mounted for linear motion along a first axis from a first platen position below and adjacent to said hopper, to a second platen position adjacent to a build bed; means for distributing the powder from said platen in the second platen position, over said build bed, said distribution means mounted for linear motion along a second axis generally orthogonal to the first axis; wherein at least a portion of one of the hopper, the rotary dispenser, the platen and the means for distributing the powder is coated with a coating selected from the group consisting of: anodized finish, hardcoat anodized finish, siloxane, baked enamel, electroplated enamel, electroless nickel, coated elastomer, laminated elastomer, dipped latex, sprayed latex, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, an epoxy resin, or a polyester.