Gas Atmosphere Control In Laser Printing Using Metallic Powders

摘要

Methods and systems for controlling gas atmospheres in three-dimensional laser printing and weld overlay consolidation operations using metallic powders are provided. In one or more embodiments, such systems and methods comprise a printing chamber or laser weld overlay system, a gas supply system, a feed powder system, and one or more sensors employed to control the printing or welding operation. The methods and systems of the invention employ one or more inert gases having a purity greater than or equal to 99.995%

主权项

1. A method for controlling gas atmospheres in three-dimensional laser printing using metallic powders, comprising the steps of:
a. providing a 3D printer comprising a printing chamber, a gas supply system, and a feed powder system; b. providing an inert gas having a purity greater than or equal to 99.995% from the gas supply system to the printing chamber; c. providing one or more feed powders from the feed powder system to the printing chamber; d. providing one or more gas sensors located in one or more of the printing chamber, gas supply system, or feed powder systems; and e. printing an article,wherein the flowrate of the inert gas is dynamically adjusted in response to one or more outputs from the one or more gas sensors.