US 12,246,392 B2
Deposition head for friction stir additive manufacturing devices and methods
Weidong Song, Woodinville, WA (US); Michael Brennan, Renton, WA (US); and Alex Langenstein, Seattle, WA (US)
Assigned to Blue Origin Manufacturing, LLC, Huntsville, AL (US)
Filed by Blue Origin, LLC, Kent, WA (US)
Filed on Mar. 30, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/192,998.
Prior Publication US 2024/0326156 A1, Oct. 3, 2024
Int. Cl. B23K 20/12 (2006.01); B23K 103/20 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 20/128 (2013.01) [B23K 20/1255 (2013.01); B23K 2103/20 (2018.08)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A friction stir additive manufacturing device configured to join a first work-piece and a second work-piece, the device comprising:
a spindle configured to rotate about a central axis, the spindle comprising a channel extending from a first end of the spindle to a second end of the spindle, the channel configured to allow a filler material to pass through the spindle from the first end towards the second end, the spindle further configured to deposit the filler material over a weld line as the device is advanced along an interface between the first work-piece and the second work-piece; and
a deposition head configured to receive at least a portion of the second end of the spindle, the deposition head configured to remain stationary relative to the rotating spindle, the deposition head comprising:
a first semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a first axis, and
a second semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, the second semi-cylindrical portion having a chamfered inner surface configured to define a weld profile.