The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 16, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 27, 2001
XinHua Wang, Singapore, SG;
YunGan Wang, Singapore, SG;
Kuak Choi Lealic Lim, Singapore, SG;
Ying Hsi Jerry Fuh, Singapore, SG;
Yoke San Wong, Singapore, SG;
JiHuan Luo, Singapore, SG;
HongBin Cheng, Singapore, SG;
YueFeng Yu, Singapore, SG;
XiangLin Zhang, Singapore, SG;
YaXin Tang, Singapore, SG;
Li Lu, Singapore, SG;
Xuan Wang, Singapore, SG;
Other;
Abstract
A computer-controlled apparatus and method for producing metallic parts by laser melting selected regions of a layer(s) of metal powder at a target area are disclosed. The system includes devices for preheating and maintaining a relatively high temperature, e.g. 400° C., of the metal powder so as to join the metal powder together with relatively low laser power, e.g. a 200W CO laser. A major powder depositing mechanism with a scraper and a depositing system for a secondary powder are included in the apparatus that allows the powders to be delivered to the target area for selective melting. The metal powder is preheated at either a dispensing cylinder or the target area through thermal conduction and/or is also heated by a heating plate positioned above the platform through radiation. The corresponding machine structures, such as a motion system and a working chamber, are designed to be able to withstand and operated under the high temperature environment.