APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING

摘要

The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

主权项

1. An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object, comprising a controller that is programmed to:
(a) direct a supply of powder material from a powder dispenser to a powder bed operatively coupled to the powder dispenser, wherein the supply of powder material comprises supply of (i) a first layer of powder material to form a powder bed at a first time (t1) and (ii) a second layer of powder material in the powder bed at a second time (t2) that follows t1 wherein the second layer of material is provided adjacent to the first layer of powder material, wherein the powder material comprises an elemental metal, metal alloy, ceramic, or an allotrope of elemental carbon, wherein the powder dispenser is operatively coupled to the controller; (b) direct an energy beam generated by an energy source to the powder bed to transform at least a portion of the powder material to a transformed material that subsequently hardens to yield the three-dimensional object, wherein the energy beam is operatively coupled to the controller; and (c) direct a cooling member disposed adjacent to at least one of the first layer and the second layer to remove thermal energy from the second layer at a time interval from t2 to a third time (t3), wherein the thermal energy is removed along a vertical direction of the energy beam, wherein upon removal of thermal energy the transformed material solidifies to form at least a portion of the three-dimensional object, and wherein the cooling member is operatively coupled to the controller.