18582783. IRRADIATION DEVICES WITH OPTICAL MODULATORS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS simplified abstract (General Electric Company)
Contents
IRRADIATION DEVICES WITH OPTICAL MODULATORS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
William Joseph Steele of Lawrenceburg IN (US)
David Scott Simmermon of Felicity OH (US)
IRRADIATION DEVICES WITH OPTICAL MODULATORS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18582783 titled 'IRRADIATION DEVICES WITH OPTICAL MODULATORS FOR ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS
The abstract describes an irradiation device for additively manufacturing a three-dimensional object, utilizing two beam generation devices emitting energy beams with different characteristics. An optical modulator with a micromirror array and a focusing lens assembly are used to focus beam segments corresponding to the energy beams to overlap at specific combination zones.
- The device includes two beam generation devices emitting energy beams with distinct characteristics.
- An optical modulator with a micromirror array is used to manipulate the beams.
- A focusing lens assembly is employed to focus beam segments to overlap at specific combination zones.
- The micromirror array reflects beam segments corresponding to the energy beams.
- The focusing lens assembly focuses beam segments to overlap at specific combination zones.
Potential Applications: - Additive manufacturing processes - 3D printing technologies - Laser-based fabrication methods
Problems Solved: - Enhances precision in additive manufacturing - Improproves efficiency in 3D printing processes - Enables the creation of complex three-dimensional objects
Benefits: - Increased accuracy and precision in manufacturing - Enhanced efficiency in production processes - Ability to create intricate and detailed objects
Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Additive Manufacturing Device for Precision Production This technology can be utilized in industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods for the production of high-quality, complex components with improved efficiency and accuracy.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the use of two beam generation devices improve the additive manufacturing process? 2. What are the specific advantages of using a micromirror array in the optical modulator for this device?
Original Abstract Submitted
An irradiation device for additively manufacturing a three-dimensional object includes two beam generation devices emitting energy beams that are characteristically different than one another. An optical modulator includes a micromirror array disposed downstream from the first and second beam generation devices. A focusing lens assembly is disposed downstream from the optical modulator. The micromirror array includes a plurality of micromirror elements to reflect beam segments corresponding to the first and second energy beams incident upon the focusing lens assembly. The focusing lens assembly focuses a first portion of the beam segments corresponding to the first energy beam to at least partially overlap with one another at a first one of a plurality of combination zones and focuses a second portion of the beam segments corresponding to the second energy beam to at least partially overlap with each other at a second one of a plurality of combination zones.
