Additive Manufacturing With In-Situ Magnetic Field Source
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromagnet alignment system for AM or 3D printing technology providing improved in-situ alignment of the magnetic particulate material as it is dispensed during deposition to form a 3D shape. In-situ alignment of the magnetic particulate material can be controlled to be unidirectional or multi-directional.
1 - 12 . (canceled)
13 . A method of forming a 3D shape by depositing a magnetic particulate using a dispensing nozzle, comprising the step of in-situ aligning the magnetic particulate material as it passes through the dispensing nozzle using pole surfaces of at least one energized electromagnet with the pole surfaces positioned about a periphery of the dispensing nozzle.
14 . The method of claim 13 wherein the pole surfaces are in opposing relation on opposite peripheral sides of the nozzle.
15 . The method of claim 13 wherein multiple electromagnets are present and controlled in a manner to vary the magnetic orientation of the magnetic particulate material from one layer or body to another as it is deposited.
16 . The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one electromagnet is angularly movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the dispensing nozzle to vary the magnetic orientation of the magnetic particulate material from one layer or body to another as it is deposited.
17 . The method of claim 13 wherein the output of the power source is varied to vary the strength of the magnetic field between the pole surfaces.
18 . The method of claim 13 wherein the coil of the at least one electromagnet is positioned remotely relative to the pole surfaces and nozzle.