Making Metal Foam with Plasma Arc Deposition and a Blowing Agent

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method for producing metal foam using plasma-directed energy deposition. By combining metal powder with a foaming agent and applying it to a base plate with the help of a material nozzle, plasma arcs are used to melt the mixture and create metal foam structures. The patent also covers a device suitable for executing this process.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Lightweight components for automotive or aerospace industries
• Construction of energy-absorbing structures for crash protection
• Heat exchangers and thermal management systems
• Porous implants and scaffolds for biomedical applications
• Specialized filters for liquids or gases

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Produces metal foam with controlled structure and properties
• Allows for complex and customized foam architectures via additive manufacturing
• Potentially reduces material waste compared to traditional foaming methods
• Enables direct fabrication onto substrates or base parts
• Can improve mechanical properties and multifunctionality of engineered components

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a metal foam. For this purpose, a metal powder and a blowing agent are first provided, which are contacted with one another to provide a metal powder-blowing agent mixture. The metal powder-blowing agent mixture is then introduced into a material nozzle in order to apply it to a base plate. A pilot arc is ignited between a main electrode and the material nozzle. Furthermore, a main arc is ignited between the main electrode and the base plate. The main arc melts the metal powder-blowing agent mixture on the base plate, so that the metal foam is formed thereon. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.