Patent ID: 6106644
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A method of applying a pattern of stop-off material to a sheet of superplastically deformable material, the pattern being stored in a computer memory, comprising the steps of:(a) storing data defining a pattern to be applied to the sheet in the memory of a computer;(b) placing the sheet on a table that is traversable by a printing head under the control of the computer capable of applying jets of fluid from a fluid reservoir onto the underlying sheet;(c) supplying a suspension of stop-off material to the fluid reservoir; and,(d) traversing the sheet with the printing head, under computer control, the computer being programmed to so control the head that it applies jets of stop-off material to the sheet to form a pattern of stop-off material in accordance with the pattern stored in the said memory.