Single-crystal – oriented-crystal – and epitaxy growth processes; – Processes of growth from liquid or supercritical state – Having moving solid-liquid-solid region
Reexamination Certificate
2005-08-23
2005-08-23
Kunemund, Robert (Department: 1765)
Single-crystal, oriented-crystal, and epitaxy growth processes;
Processes of growth from liquid or supercritical state
Having moving solid-liquid-solid region
C117S041000, C117S043000, C117S044000, C117S046000, C117S047000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06932865
ABSTRACT:
A single-crystal structure is grown using free-form fabrication through principles of directional solidification and direct-deposition techniques. The structure is formed from a metallic alloy by building from feedstock on top of and upward from a heated base element. The top of the structure is also heated with a scanning beam as it is built. The higher temperatures near the melting alloy tend to promote crystal growth rather than nucleation as the grain grows toward the heat of the scanning beam. This allows a two-dimensional thermal gradient to be formed in the build direction, which allows the solid crystal to maintain one orientation during the deposition process. As the material initially solidifies, it nucleates off of a desired grain that is designated by a grain selector. This method eliminates the need for expensive mold cavities and segmented furnaces that are typically required by prior art processes for producing some components.
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Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Kunemund Robert
Lockheed Martin Corporation
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