Lakewood, Colorado Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Powder Motion Labs LLC has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its breakthrough in non-contact powder bed smoothing. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11872754, titled ‘Recoater using alternating current to planarize top surface of powder bed’, utilizes alternating electric fields to level the top surface of powder beds in additive manufacturing.
This technology, known as Electroplaning™, employs a high-voltage alternating current to create an electric field between an electrode and the powder bed. This field causes the top layer of powder particles to oscillate, allowing them to reposition and smooth out the surface without physical contact. The process enhances the uniformity of the powder layer, which is critical for the quality and consistency of 3D-printed parts.
By eliminating the need for mechanical recoaters, this method reduces wear and maintenance, leading to increased efficiency and reliability in additive manufacturing processes. It also allows for rapid on-off control, minimizing overspray and material waste.
Powder Motion Labs’ innovation represents a significant advancement in powder handling technology. Their Electroplaning™ system is scalable and can be integrated into existing manufacturing setups, offering a practical solution for industries seeking to improve the precision and quality of their 3D-printed products.