Patent ID: 9174300
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: B23K,B33Y,C22C,H01J

Abstract:
1. A closed loop control method for layer-by-layer manufacturing of a three-dimensional metallic work piece, comprising the steps of: a) delivering a metallic feed material in a substantially solid state into a feed region, the metallic feed material being a transition metal or an alloy thereof; b) emitting an electron beam having one or more predetermined electrical currents by employing at least one electron beam gun; c) translating the electron beam through a first predetermined raster pattern frame in an x-y plane that includes: d) monitoring a condition of one or both of the feed region or the substrate region substantially in real time for the occurrence of any deviation from a predetermined condition, with such monitoring being performed by a detector including a camera, an electron phenomena detecting mechanism or a combination of both; e) upon detecting of any deviation, translating the electron beam through at least one second predetermined raster pattern frame in the x-y plane that maintains the melting beam power density level substantially the same as the first predetermined raster pattern frame, but alters the substrate beam power density level in a manner so that the monitored condition returns to the predetermined condition; and f) repeating steps (a) through (e) at one or more second locations for building up layer by layer, generally along a z-axis that is orthogonal to the x-y plane, a three-dimensional layered metallic work piece, wherein the metallic work piece is achieved by way of a closed loop control system.