APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTION OF FILLER PACKETS FOR SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION

摘要

A hopper (30) holds a metal and flux powder (24). A filler tube (28) conveys the powder from the hopper. Compressed gas (36) is injected into the powder to fluidize and convey the powder through the filler tube. The hopper may be vibrated (34) to prevent clumping. A gas permeable envelope (29) surrounds the filler tube and is filled with powder as it moves off the end of the filler tube. The gas escapes from the permeable envelope. Feed mechanisms (54, 56, 66, 74) may feed gas permeable sheets (55, 57) over opposite sides of the filler tube. A seaming device (58A-B, 78A-B) may seam the sheets along their edges to form the gas permeable envelope surrounding the filler tube. Closing (40) and cutting (42) machines close and cut the envelope, forming a packet (22) containing the powder.

主权项

1. An apparatus for production of a filler packet for additive manufacturing, the apparatus comprising:
a hopper for holding a metal powder; a gas permeable envelope that is impermeable by the powder; a filler tube from the hopper inserted into the gas permeable envelope; and a gas source that provides a compressed gas to the hopper; wherein the powder flows from the hopper through the filler tube with the compressed gas, and the compressed gas escapes the envelope while the powder is retained by the envelope.