General Electric Company
Powder seal assembly for decreasing powder usage in a powder bed additive manufacturing process

Abstract:

An additive manufacturing machine for repairing a component includes a build platform that supports the component and a powder dispensing assembly for selectively depositing additive powder over the build platform. A powder seal assembly includes a powder support plate positioned above the build platform and defining an aperture for receiving the component without contacting the component. A clamping mechanism is movable relative to the powder support plate and defines a void for receiving a resilient sealing element around the aperture. An actuating mechanism, such as bolts or a linear actuator, moves the clamping mechanism toward the powder support plate to deform the resilient sealing element until the resilient sealing element contacts and forms a seal with the component.