US 12,390,878 B2
System and method for metal forming and layering using inductive heating
Kenneth Robert Sargent, Montverde, FL (US); and William Kenneth Clark, Weirsdale, FL (US)
Assigned to Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US)
Filed by LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION, Bethesda, MD (US)
Filed on Dec. 10, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/547,387.
Prior Publication US 2023/0182229 A1, Jun. 15, 2023
Int. Cl. B23K 13/01 (2006.01); B23K 13/08 (2006.01); B23K 35/32 (2006.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 30/00 (2015.01); B33Y 50/02 (2015.01); B33Y 70/00 (2020.01)
CPC B23K 13/01 (2013.01) [B23K 13/08 (2013.01); B23K 35/327 (2013.01); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 50/02 (2014.12); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A material deposition system, comprising:
a feedstock guide comprising a plurality of ceramic bearings, the feedstock guide configured to guide a metal feedstock from a material feeder to extend beyond a terminal end of the feedstock guide;
a ceramic collar disposed at the terminal end of the feedstock guide and configured to guide the metal feedstock extending from the terminal end of the feedstock guide to a deposition outlet of the ceramic collar; and
at least one induction coil disposed adjacent to the ceramic collar and configured to:
heat a portion of the metal feedstock surrounded by the ceramic bearings; and
allow material of the metal feedstock to be deposited on a surface from the deposition end of the ceramic collar.