US 12,280,431 B2
Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts through fluid immersion and related systems and methods
Jamison Go, Orlando, FL (US); Daniel Sachs, Sunnyvale, CA (US); Robert J. Nick, Pepperell, MA (US); Jonah Samuel Myerberg, Lexington, MA (US); and Michael Goldblatt, Lincoln, MA (US)
Assigned to Desktop Metal, Inc., Burlington, MA (US)
Filed by Desktop Metal, Inc., Burlington, MA (US)
Filed on Aug. 1, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/363,441.
Application 18/363,441 is a continuation of application No. 16/999,210, filed on Aug. 21, 2020, granted, now 11,759,859.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/890,921, filed on Aug. 23, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0139806 A1, May 2, 2024
Int. Cl. B22F 3/24 (2006.01); B08B 3/04 (2006.01); B08B 3/10 (2006.01); B08B 3/12 (2006.01); B08B 3/14 (2006.01); B22F 10/00 (2021.01); B33Y 40/20 (2020.01)
CPC B22F 3/24 (2013.01) [B08B 3/045 (2013.01); B08B 3/102 (2013.01); B08B 3/12 (2013.01); B08B 3/14 (2013.01); B22F 10/00 (2021.01); B33Y 40/20 (2020.01); B22F 2003/247 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of depowdering additively fabricated parts, the method comprising:
arranging a plurality of additively fabricated parts within a container containing a liquid, the container coupled to at least one inlet through which the liquid flows into the container, and the container coupled to at least one outlet through which the liquid flows out of the container, wherein each of the plurality of additively fabricated parts is formed from particles of a metal powder held together by one or more binders, and has unbound particles of the metal powder on its surface;
operating one or more gas jets to jet a gas into the liquid in the container, thereby dislodging at least some of the unbound particles of the metal powder from surfaces of the plurality of additively fabricated parts;
conveying, by liquid currents within the liquid, unbound metal powder away from the plurality of additively fabricated parts; and
filtering, using a filtration device coupled to the at least one outlet of the container, at least some particles of the conveyed unbound metal powder from the liquid that flows out of the container.