Other

Justin Wenning

Adam J Hehr

Mark I Norfolk

A method of ultrasonic additive manufacturing comprising using ultrasonic additive manufacturing to build a solid metal object through ultrasonically welding successive layers of thin metal foil into a three-dimensional shape; machining internal features into the solid metal object, wherein the internal features include voids, chambers, cavities, channels, or conduits; depositing a sacrificial support material in the internal features, wherein the sacrificial support material includes at least one water-soluble solid, and at least one water-soluble binding agent; curing the sacrificial support material at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time within the internal features; using ultrasonic additive manufacturing to deposit additional successive layers of metal on top of the sacrificial material and solid metal object to complete the solid metal object; and introducing a solution containing water into the internal features to dissolve and remove the sacrificial support material therefrom.

Method for using soluble sacrificial materials in ultrasonic additive manufacturing

An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a sonotrode having a first body portion, a first nodal region, a welding region, a second nodal region, and a second body portion; a transducer rotationally connected to the second body portion for transmitting acoustic vibrations to the welding region; a roller device connected to the transducer and sonotrode for permitting axial rotation of the transducer and sonotrode; a support device flexibly connected to the roller device for maintaining axial alignment of the transducer and sonotrode relative to a target welding area; a mount for supporting the sonotrode; and four frictionless bearings positioned around the nodal regions of the sonotrode, wherein the frictionless bearings are attached to the mount.

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Columbus, OH, United States of America

Justin Wenning