Jeffrey A Mcdaniel

US Patent:

20080277837, Nov 13, 2008

Filed:

Jun 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/630190

Inventors:

Jianxin Liu - North Huntingdon PA, US
Jeffrey McDaniel - Pittsburgh PA, US
Michael Rynerson - St. Petersburg FL, US
Howard Kuhn - Johnstown PA, US

Assignee:

The Ex One Company - Irwin PA

International Classification:

B29C 33/10

US Classification:

264497, 4254051

Abstract:

Gas permeable molds and mold segments having open porosity () are disclosed. Blind vents () in the mold wall's () outside surface () allow for an uninterrupted molding surface () while enhancing the gas permeability provided by the open porosity (). Methods of making such gas permeable molds include forming them from sintered material. Methods also include the use of solid free-form fabrication followed by sintering. Also disclosed are unitary structures (), for use in EPS bead molding, having a steam chest portion () with gas impermeable walls () and a mold section () having a gas permeable mold wall () having open porosity (), and, optionally, open and/or blind vents (). Methods for making such unitary structures () include the use of solid free-form fabrication.