Elementum 3D, Inc. (20240263275). ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF METAL ALLOYS AND METAL ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITES simplified abstract

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF METAL ALLOYS AND METAL ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITES

Organization Name

Elementum 3D, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Jacob S. Nuechterlein of Erie CO (US)

Jeremy Joseph Iten of Erie CO (US)

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF METAL ALLOYS AND METAL ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240263275 titled 'ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF METAL ALLOYS AND METAL ALLOY MATRIX COMPOSITES

The abstract describes an additive manufacturing method for producing a metal alloy article by blending metal alloy powder with a nucleant material to lower the nucleation energy required for crystallization. The blended mixture is formed into layers, subjected to energy to raise the temperature to the liquidus temperature, allowed to cool for recrystallization, and repeated to form the metal alloy article.

• Metal alloy powder is blended with a nucleant material to facilitate crystallization.
• The blended mixture is formed into layers and subjected to energy to reach the liquidus temperature.
• Cooling allows the metal alloy to recrystallize, forming the desired article.
• This additive manufacturing method enables precise control over the structure and properties of the metal alloy article.
• The nucleant material plays a crucial role in reducing the energy required for nucleation, enhancing the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Potential Applications: - Aerospace industry for lightweight, high-strength components - Automotive industry for custom parts and prototypes - Medical industry for implants and surgical instruments

Problems Solved: - Improved control over the microstructure of metal alloy articles - Enhanced efficiency in additive manufacturing processes - Customization and rapid prototyping capabilities

Benefits: - Increased strength and durability of metal alloy articles - Cost-effective production of complex geometries - Reduced energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing methods

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Additive Manufacturing Method for Metal Alloy Articles This technology can revolutionize the production of metal alloy components in various industries, offering enhanced performance and cost-effective solutions. The market implications include increased demand for additive manufacturing services and the development of specialized equipment for nucleant-assisted processes.

Questions about Additive Manufacturing with Nucleant Materials: 1. How does the nucleant material impact the crystallization process in metal alloy articles? The nucleant material lowers the nucleation energy required for crystallization, enabling more efficient and controlled formation of the metal alloy structure.

2. What are the advantages of using nucleant materials in additive manufacturing? Nucleant materials improve the nucleation process, leading to enhanced control over the microstructure and properties of metal alloy articles.

Original Abstract Submitted

an additive manufacturing method of producing a metal alloy article may involve: providing a supply of a metal alloy in powder form; providing a supply of a nucleant material, the nucleant material lowering the nucleation energy required to crystallize the metal alloy; blending the supply of metal alloy powder and nucleant material to form a blended mixture; forming the blended mixture into a first layer; subjecting at least a portion of the first layer to energy sufficient to raise the temperature of the first layer to at least the liquidus temperature of the metal alloy; allowing at least a portion of the first layer to cool to a temperature sufficient to allow the metal alloy to recrystallize; forming a second layer of the blended mixture on the first layer; and repeating the subjecting and allowing steps on the second layer to form an additional portion of the metal alloy article.