Abstract
Disclosure to explain an automated system which detects powder low flowability and executes an arch
recovery increasing the powder flow and allowing successful powder loading for 3D systems.
Powder flowability is affected by multiple factors (powder type, recycled powder condition, humidity,
temperature) which alters the loading time and successful loading finish rate. In some cases, and specially
with some powder types such as PA11, it has been observed that the powder gets stuck to the walls of its
container decreasing the flow and increasing the loading times.
To avoid this effect, an arch recovery can be executed once the powder flow measure reaches a minimum
threshold. This arch recovery will quickly close the valves causing a pressure surge (phenomenon known
as hydraulic shock or water hammer) which will unstuck the powder from the tank walls and increase the
powder flow reducing loading time and optimizing the powder usage. This arch recovery was limited to a
maximum of one time per load, but it has been found to be insufficient in some cases. This disclosure
proposes an increase on the arch recoveries depending on the powder flow detection during the load.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
INC, HP, "AUTOMATIC ARCH RECOVERY FOR 3D POWDER LOADING SYSTEMS", Technical Disclosure Commons, (December 23, 2019)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/2816