3D Systems has patented a system for manufacturing 3D metal articles with unsupported surfaces. The system includes a controller to define a support structure with a lower support beam, node body, and branches. This innovative technology prevents overheating during fabrication. GlobalData’s report on 3D Systems gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on 3D Systems, Spacecraft 3D Printing was a key innovation area identified from patents. 3D Systems's grant share as of May 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
3d printing system for metal powder articles
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12005502B2) discloses a system for manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) articles from metal powder. The system includes a print engine and a controller that receives control signals defining a metallic structure, comprising a 3D article with a downward-facing surface and a support structure. The support structure includes a lower support beam, a node body, and at least three branches extending towards the downward-facing surface. The print engine operates to fabricate the metallic structure according to the control signals, utilizing a coater and beam system to dispense and selectively fuse layers of metal powder to form the 3D article and support structure simultaneously.
Furthermore, the patent details the specific configurations and patterns used in the manufacturing process. The lower support beam is formed by a vertical sequence of contour scan patterns, while the node body is created using fused node slices with hatched area fill slices. The branches are also formed by a vertical sequence of contour scan patterns, ensuring the structural integrity of the final product. The system's controller plays a crucial role in coordinating the operations of the print engine, coater, and beam system to achieve the desired metallic structure as defined by the control signals. This innovative system offers a unique approach to manufacturing 3D articles from metal powder, providing a detailed and efficient process for creating complex metallic structures.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on 3D Systems, buy the report here.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
