Additive manufacturing print-heads for exotic material applications
| DWPI Title: Additive manufacturing apparatus for constructing piezoelectric sensors for exotic materials applications, comprises extrusion nozzle which is formed of conductive material, arc suppressor coupled to extrusion nozzle |
| Abstract: Described herein is an additive manufacturing apparatus that is well-suited for constructing piezoelectric sensors. The additive manufacturing apparatus includes an extrusion nozzle formed of a conductive material such as aluminum. The extrusion nozzle has a channel by way of which printing material exits the extrusion nozzle, wherein a build plate is configured to receive the printing material responsive to the printing material exiting the extrusion nozzle. An arc suppressor formed of a semiconductor is coupled to the extrusion nozzle and is configured to dissipate excess charge that would otherwise exist on the extrusion nozzle when a relatively high bias voltage is applied to the extrusion nozzle. Thus, the arc suppressor mitigates arcing between the extrusion nozzle and the build plate. Arc suppressing gas is also optionally introduced into a printing region, thereby further mitigating arcing between the extrusion nozzle and the build plate. |
| Use: Additive manufacturing apparatus for constructing piezoelectric sensors for exotic materials applications. |
| Advantage: The apparatus can mitigate the possibility of arcing and damage to the printing material. Prevent evacuation of the gas from the biasing region. Allow for piezoelectric sensors to be constructed. |
| Novelty: The apparatus (102) comprises an extrusion nozzle (108) which is formed of a conductive material. The extrusion nozzle has a channel by way of which printing material exits the extrusion nozzle. An arc suppressor (118) is coupled to the extrusion nozzle. The arc suppressor has a ring-like shape with an opening. The printing material (112) passes through the opening of the arc suppressor responsive to the printing material exiting the extrusion nozzle. An energy source (114) is configured to apply a bias voltage to the extrusion nozzle. An electric field is formed in a biasing region between the extrusion nozzle and a build plate upon which the printing material is deposited. |
| Filed: 8/22/2018 |
| Application Number: US16109234A |
| Tech ID: SD 14128.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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