Direct metal laser printing gas manifold
12083597 ยท 2024-09-10
Assignee
Inventors
- James J. Murray (Mauldin, SC, US)
- Shashwat Swami Jaiswal (Karnataka, IN)
- Rajesh Kumar Venkata Gadamsetty (Karnataka, IN)
- Hiteshkumar Rameshchandra Mistry (Karnataka, IN)
Cpc classification
B33Y10/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B22F10/28
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B33Y30/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B33Y40/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Y02P10/25
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
International classification
Abstract
A gas manifold for single-nozzle deposition chambers comprising a base having a top surface and bottom surface defining a thickness; a primary nozzle having an inlet and outlet extending through the thickness of the base; and a secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle. The inlet of the primary nozzle has a hollow protrusion extending from the top surface of the base into the gas feed. The channel of the secondary nozzle includes a bend between the sidewall of the base and the outlet configured to pass between a first direct energy source and second direct energy source, the first energy source and second energy source disposed on a top wall of a chamber.
Claims
1. A gas manifold for use in an additive manufacturing system comprising: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness therebetween; a primary nozzle having an inlet and an outlet extending through the thickness of the base, the inlet of the primary nozzle in fluid communication with an inlet of a chamber; and, a secondary nozzle radially outward from the primary nozzle, the secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base and having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle, the inlet of the secondary nozzle in fluid communication with the inlet of the chamber, wherein the outlet of the secondary nozzle includes a plurality of flow channels that each extend from a first end having a first cross-sectional area to a second end having a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area.
2. The gas manifold of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the primary nozzle has one of an elliptical shape, a slit shape and a circular shape.
3. The gas manifold of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the secondary nozzle has a substantially circular shape that is substantially concentrically oriented with the inlet of the primary nozzle, wherein a diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle is smaller than a diameter of the inlet of the secondary nozzle.
4. The gas manifold of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the primary nozzle has a protrusion extending from the top surface of the base.
5. The gas manifold of claim 4, wherein the protrusion tapers inwardly from the base, such that a diameter of an end of the protrusion is smaller than a diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle at the base.
6. The gas manifold of claim 5, wherein the top surface of the base contacts a top wall of the chamber, the chamber having a gas feed extending through the top wall of the chamber in fluid communication with the primary nozzle and secondary nozzle, the protrusion extending into the gas feed.
7. The gas manifold of claim 6, wherein the diameter of the end of the protrusion is smaller than a diameter of the gas feed.
8. The gas manifold of claim 7, wherein a ratio of the diameter of the end of the protrusion to the diameter of the gas feed is in the range of 1:10 to 9:10.
9. The gas manifold of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes at least one bend defined between the sidewall of the base and the outlet of the secondary nozzle channel.
10. The gas manifold of claim 9, wherein the at least one bend is one of U-shaped and semi-circular.
11. The gas manifold of claim 9, wherein the at least one bend extends between a first direct energy source and a second direct energy source, the first energy source and the second energy source on a top wall of the chamber.
12. The gas manifold of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes a first bend and a second bend, the first bend normal to the at least one channel, the second bend normal to the first bend, the outlet of the secondary nozzle extending outwardly from the second bend.
13. An additive manufacturing system comprising: a chamber comprising a top wall and a gas feed extending through the top wall and at least one direct energy source disposed on the top wall, the direct energy source directs an energy beam that bonds powdered material onto a target component positioned within the chamber; and, a gas manifold comprising: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness; a primary nozzle having an inlet and an outlet extending through the thickness of the base; and, a secondary nozzle radially outward from the primary nozzle, the secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base and having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle; wherein the top surface of the base abuts the top wall of a chamber, the gas feed in fluid communication with the primary nozzle and secondary nozzle.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet of the primary nozzle has a hollow protrusion extending from the top surface of the base.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the hollow protrusion tapers inwardly from the base, the hollow protrusion having an end opposite the base, the end having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle at the base.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the hollow protrusion extends into the gas feed.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes a first bend and a second bend, the first bend normal to the at least one channel, the second bend normal to the first bend, the outlet of the secondary nozzle extending outwardly from the second bend.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first bend is positioned to pass between a first direct energy source and a second direct energy source.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The subject-matter of the disclosure will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the attached drawings.
(2)
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(7) The reference symbols used in the drawings, and their meanings, are listed in summary form in the list of reference symbols. In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(8) In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.
(9) As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms comprising, including, and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The terms optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.
(10) Unless otherwise indicated, approximating language, such as generally, substantially, and about, as used herein indicates that the term so modified may apply to only an approximate degree, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or perfect degree. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as about, approximately, and substantially, is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be identified. Such ranges may be combined and/or interchanged, and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
(11) Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, for example, a second item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a first or lower-numbered item or a third or higher-numbered item.
(12) The methods, systems, and apparatus described herein overcome at least some disadvantages of known additive manufacturing systems. More specifically, the systems apparatus described herein improves gas flow delivery uniformity in single-nozzle additive manufacturing system configurations by utilizing a gas manifold having a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle without modification of the deposition chamber. The primary nozzle and secondary nozzle supply the gas from a single inlet and are oriented to distribute the gas within the deposition chamber. Fluid channels of the gas manifold include one or more bends between the inlet and outlet such that operation of direct energy sources of the deposition chamber is not hindered.
(13) With reference to
(14) In the exemplary embodiment, additive manufacturing system 100 includes a build fixture assembly 120, a direct energy source 130 positioned within a deposition chamber 110 and a gas delivery system 140. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the direct energy source 130 includes four heads 134 arranged in a matrix on a top wall 112 of the deposition chamber. The four heads 134 are centrally located relative to an inlet 142 of the gas delivery system 140. In some embodiments, the direct energy source 130 includes at least two heads. In some embodiments, the direct energy source 130 includes more than four heads 134.
(15) As shown in
(16) Inert gas 106 (illustrated as flow vectors) is supplied through gas delivery system 140 into the deposition chamber 110 and onto the build fixture 120 to sweep weld spatter and soot particles between deposition cycles. During a deposition cycle the direct energy source 130 generates an energy beam 132 through a scanner system which selectively directs the energy beam 132 across the one or more target components 102 and the build fixture 120 generally at a preselected scan speed such that the direct energy beam 132 sinters, or more generally bonds, the powdered material 124 onto a build layer 104 of the target component 102. The direct energy beam 132 is sufficient to fuse preselected regions of the build layer 104 immediately below build layer 104.
(17) In the exemplary embodiment, the inlet 142 is a tube or a cylindrical structure having a height H and a diameter D.sub.1 (as shown in
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(19) The gas manifold 200 includes a base 210 having a top surface 212 and a bottom surface 214. The top surface 212 and bottom surface 214 define a thickness t.sub.1 of the base 210 (as shown in
(20) As best shown in
(21) The top surface 212 of the base 210 is against the top wall 112 of the deposition chamber 110 such that both the inlet 222 of the primary nozzle 220 and the inlet 252 of the secondary nozzle 250 are in fluid communication with the inlet 142 of the gas delivery system 140. In embodiments where the primary nozzle 220 includes the hollow protrusion 226 extending from the top surface 212 of the base, the hollow protrusion 226 extends a distance into the inlet 142 of the gas delivery system 140 such that the hollow protrusion 226 captures a portion of the Inert gas 106 as the Inert gas 106 is injected through the inlet 142 of the gas delivery system 140 into the deposition chamber 110. In some embodiments, the protrusion 226 tapers inwardly from the base 210. The protrusion 226 has an end 228 that is opposite the base 210. The end 228 has a diameter D.sub.2 that is smaller than the diameter D.sub.3 of the inlet 222 of the primary nozzle 220 at the base 210. The diameter D.sub.2 of the end 228 of the protrusion 226 is smaller than the diameter D.sub.1 of the gas feed. The end 228 of the protrusion 226 is positioned a distance L.sub.1 from an edge 141 of the inlet 142 of the gas delivery system 140. In the exemplary embodiments, the inlet 142 has a generally cylindrical shape which can be coupled to a hose or coil.
(22) Because the diameter D.sub.2 of the end 228 of the protrusion 226 is smaller than the diameter D.sub.1 of the inlet 142. The Inert gas 106 supplied by the inlet 142 can flow to both the primary nozzle 220 and to the secondary nozzle 250. The ratio of the size of end 228 of the protrusion 226 relative to the diameter D.sub.1 of the gas feed can vary depending on the desired amount of Inert gas 106 delivered to the primary nozzle 220 and the secondary nozzle 250. In some embodiments, the ratio of the diameter D.sub.2 of the end 228 of the protrusion 226 relative to the diameter D.sub.1 of the inlet 142 is in the range of 1:10 to 9:10. In alternative embodiments, the diameter D.sub.2 of the end 228 of the protrusion 226 relative to the diameter D.sub.1 of the inlet 142 may have any ratio that enables the primary nozzle 220 and secondary nozzle 250 to function as described herein
(23) In some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of the inlet 142 decreases from the top surface 212 of the base 210 towards the end 228 of the protrusion 226 because of the taper of the protrusion 226. The decreased cross-sectional area results in creating a higher static pressure of the Inert gas 106 at the inlet 252 of the secondary nozzle as compared to the static pressure at the end 228 of the protrusion 226. As explained in more detail below, Inert gas 106 traveling through the secondary nozzle 250 requires additional static pressure because of the at least one channel 260 between the inlet 252 and outlet 254 of the secondary nozzle 250. Likewise, as best shown in
(24) As shown in
(25) As best shown in
(26) As shown in
(27) The above-described embodiments overcome at least some disadvantages of known methods for repairing components. Specifically, the embodiments improve gas delivery uniformity in single-nozzle additive manufacturing system configurations by utilizing a gas manifold having a primary nozzle and a secondary nozzle without modification of the deposition chamber to distribute the gas. The primary nozzle and secondary nozzle supply the gas from a single inlet and are oriented to distribute the gas within the deposition chamber. Fluid channels of the gas manifold include one or more bends between the inlet and outlet such that operation of direct energy sources of the deposition chamber is not hindered. The gas manifold described herein can replace the single nozzle in a single-nozzle configuration without having to alter or change other components of the additive manufacturing system.
(28) The methods, systems, and compositions disclosed herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, steps of the methods, elements of the systems, and/or elements of the compositions may be utilized independently and separately from other steps and/or elements described herein. For example, the methods, systems, and compositions are not limited to practice with only a rotary machine as described herein. Rather, the methods, systems, and compositions may be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications.
(29) Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to one embodiment in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
(30) This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
(31) Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: A gas manifold for use in an additive manufacturing system comprising: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness therebetween; a primary nozzle having an inlet and an outlet extending through the thickness of the base, the inlet of the primary nozzle in fluid communication with an inlet of a chamber; and, a secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle, the inlet of the secondary nozzle in fluid communication with the inlet of the chamber. 2. The gas manifold of the preceding clause, wherein the outlet of the primary nozzle has one of an elliptical shape, a slit shape and a circular shape. 3. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the inlet of the secondary nozzle has a substantially circular shape that is substantially concentrically oriented with the inlet of the primary nozzle, the inlet of the secondary nozzle having a substantially circular shape, wherein a diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle is smaller than a diameter of the inlet of the secondary nozzle. 4. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the inlet of the primary nozzle has a protrusion extending from the top surface of the base. 5. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the protrusion tapers inwardly from the base, such that an end of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle at the base. 6. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the top surface of the base contacts a top wall of a chamber, the chamber having a gas feed extending through the top wall of the chamber in fluid communication with the primary nozzle and secondary nozzle, the protrusion extending a distance into the gas feed. 7. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein a diameter of the end of the protrusion is smaller than a diameter of the gas feed. 8. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein a ratio of the diameter of the end of the protrusion to the diameter of the gas feed is in the range of 1:10 to 9:10. 9. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes at least one bend defined between the sidewall of the base and the outlet. 10. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the at least one bend is one of U-shaped and semi-circular. 11. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the at least one bend extends between a first direct energy source and a second direct energy source, the first energy source and the second energy source on a top wall of a chamber. 12. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes a first bend and a second bend, the first bend normal to the at least one channel, the second bend normal to the first bend, the outlet of the secondary nozzle extending a distance from the second bend. 13. The gas manifold in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the outlet of the secondary nozzle includes a plurality of flow channels, each of the flow channels having a first end and a second end, the first end having a smaller cross-sectional area than the second end. 14. An additive manufacturing system comprising: a chamber comprising a top wall and a gas feed extending through the top wall and at least one direct energy source disposed on the top wall, the direct energy source directs an energy beam that bonds powdered material onto a target component positioned within the chamber; and, a gas manifold comprising: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness; a primary nozzle having an inlet and an outlet extending through the thickness of the base; and, a secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle; wherein the top surface of the base abuts a top wall of a chamber, the gas feed in fluid communication with the primary nozzle and secondary nozzle. 15. The system of the preceding clause, wherein the inlet of the primary nozzle has a hollow protrusion extending from the top surface of the base. 16. The system in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the protrusion tapers inwardly from the base, the protrusion having an end opposite the base, the end having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inlet of the primary nozzle at the base. 17. The system in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the protrusion extends a distance into the gas feed. 18. The system in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the at least one channel of the secondary nozzle includes a first bend and a second bend, the first bend normal to the at least one channel, the second bend normal to the first bend, the outlet of the secondary nozzle extending a distance from the second bend. 19. The system of system in accordance with any preceding clause, wherein the first bend and a second bend are positioned to pass between a first direct energy source and a second direct energy source. 20. A method of forming a gas manifold for use in an additive manufacturing system comprising: forming a base having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a thickness therebetween; forming a primary nozzle having an inlet and an outlet extending through the thickness of the base, the inlet of the primary nozzle in fluid communication with an inlet of a chamber; and, forming a secondary nozzle having an inlet extending partially through the top surface of the base and at least one channel extending a distance from a sidewall of the base having an outlet, the channel in fluid communication with the inlet of the secondary nozzle, the inlet of the secondary nozzle in fluid communication with the inlet of the chamber.