This technology is an inverted selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer that reduces material usage and allows for multiple material components, as well as controllable part strength and porosity.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a widely used 3D printing technique that uses a laser to melt together micron sized particles layer-by-layer with the non-sintered material as the support. A wide range of materials can be printed with high resolution. SLS printers, however, are very wasteful since excess material on the print beds are heated high enough that they undergo chemical and mechanical changes rendering them unusable. SLS printers are often not capable of printing with multiple materials. Additionally, standard SLS printers passively place down print layers, whereas the inverted SLS printer design can actively compress material layers, causing changes in part strength and porosity.
This technology is a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer with low material usage and multi-material capabilities. The moveable print tray positioned above the powder supply allows for multiple powder reservoirs to be used. While one reservoir is being used another can be refilled increasing printing speed. This positioning also leads to the printed material being completely visible from the outside, which allows for direct inspection during printing.
This technology has been used to create 3D printed nylon and TPU.
IR CU19152
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu