Akinori Yoshikawa

Title: Akinori Yoshikawa and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing

Introduction

Akinori Yoshikawa is an inventor associated with Kobe Steel, Ltd., in Hyogo, Japan. His patent work addresses additive manufacturing, with a method designed to improve the accuracy of metal deposition during the production of a laminated object.

Latest Patents

Yoshikawa is associated with 1 patent, titled “Additive Manufacturing Method.” The invention measures the shape of an existing weld bead during the build process using a non-contact shape sensor integrated with a welding torch mounted on a robot. It compares geometric information from the measured bead with corresponding information in the planned deposition track, calculates an offset, and updates the track plan. The method can adjust the planned bead height or width and revise welding conditions accordingly.

Career Highlights

Yoshikawa’s documented patent contribution focuses on adapting a deposition plan in response to the weld bead’s measured shape. This approach connects in-process sensing with adjustments to the manufacturing plan and welding conditions.

Collaborations

The patent information provided associates Yoshikawa with Kobe Steel, Ltd. It describes a robotic welding system that combines a torch, a non-contact shape sensor, and a deposition track plan.

Conclusion

Akinori Yoshikawa’s patent highlights a practical approach to additive manufacturing by using measured weld-bead geometry to update deposition plans and welding conditions during production.