{
  "patent_number": "US 12734604",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "A New Head for Friction Stir 3D Printing Metals",
  "original_title": "Deposition head for friction stir additive manufacturing devices and methods",
  "summary": "This patent describes a specialized part, called a deposition head, for a machine that 3D prints metal by stirring and fusing materials together, creating strong joints.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes a device for joining two metal work-pieces using a process called friction stir additive manufacturing. The device includes a rotating spindle that deposits a filler material along a weld line as the machine moves. A key component is the deposition head, which surrounds part of the spindle but remains stationary while the spindle rotates. This head has a specific design: it features a first semi-cylindrical portion and a second semi-cylindrical portion positioned perpendicular to the first. The second portion includes a chamfered inner surface, which is designed to precisely shape the final weld, controlling how the material is laid down and fused. For example, this device could be used to add new material onto an existing metal structure or join two plates together with a strong, precisely formed seam.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover friction stir manufacturing devices that do not include a deposition head with both a first and second semi-cylindrical portion.",
    "Does not cover deposition heads where the second semi-cylindrical portion lacks a chamfered inner surface.",
    "Does not cover additive manufacturing methods that do not rely on friction stir principles.",
    "Does not cover devices where the deposition head rotates relative to the spindle.",
    "Does not cover joining work-pieces without depositing a filler material."
  ],
  "filed": "2025-03-03",
  "granted": "2026-09-15",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": null,
  "holder_url": null,
  "inventors": [],
  "times_cited": 0,
  "tags": [
    "automotive",
    "aerospace",
    "mechanical",
    "materials"
  ],
  "abstract": "A friction stir additive manufacturing device configured to join a first work-piece and a second work-piece is provided. In one aspect, the device includes a rotating spindle configured to deposit a filler material over a weld line as the device is advanced along an interface between the first work-piece and the second work-piece. The device also includes a deposition head configured to receive at least a portion of the spindle, the deposition head configured to remain stationary relative to the rotating spindle. The deposition head includes a first semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a first axis, and a second semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The second semi-cylindrical portion can include a chamfered inner surface configured to define a weld profile.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734604/deposition-head-for-friction-stir-additive-manufacturing-devices-and-methods",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734604/deposition-head-for-friction-stir-additive-manufacturing-devices-and-methods/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734604",
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}