US20080042321A1 - Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing - Google Patents

Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080042321A1
US20080042321A1 US11/860,087 US86008707A US2008042321A1 US 20080042321 A1 US20080042321 A1 US 20080042321A1 US 86008707 A US86008707 A US 86008707A US 2008042321 A1 US2008042321 A1 US 2008042321A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
printhead
build
carrier
build material
face
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/860,087
Inventor
David Russell
Andres Hernandez
Joshua Kingsley
Andrew Berlin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Z Corp
Original Assignee
Z Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Z Corp filed Critical Z Corp
Priority to US11/860,087 priority Critical patent/US20080042321A1/en
Assigned to Z CORPORATION reassignment Z CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BERLIN, ANDREW, HERNANDEZ, ANDRES, KINSLEY, JOSHUA, RUSSELL, DAVID
Publication of US20080042321A1 publication Critical patent/US20080042321A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/17Cleaning arrangements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/112Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/165Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33YADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33YADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y40/00Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/1652Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head
    • B41J2/16532Cleaning of print head nozzles by driving a fluid through the nozzles to the outside thereof, e.g. by applying pressure to the inside or vacuum at the outside of the print head by applying vacuum only
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16552Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01Ink jet
    • B41J2/135Nozzles
    • B41J2/165Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16579Detection means therefor, e.g. for nozzle clogging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for creating three-dimensional objects by printing.
  • 3D printing involves the use of an inkjet type printhead to deliver a liquid or colloidal binder material to layers of a powdered build material.
  • the printing technique involves applying a layer of a powdered build material to a surface typically using a roller. After the build material is applied to the surface, the printhead delivers the liquid binder to predetermined areas of the layer of material.
  • the binder infiltrates the material and reacts with the powder, causing the layer to solidify in the printed areas by, for example, activating an adhesive in the powder.
  • the binder also penetrates into the underlying layers, producing interlayer bonding. After the first cross-sectional portion is formed, the previous steps are repeated, building successive cross-sectional portions until the final object is formed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,375,874 and 6,416,850, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • Apparatus for carrying out 3D printing typically move the printheads over the print surface in raster fashion along orthogonal X and Y axes. In addition to the time spent printing, each printhead move requires time for acceleration, deceleration, and returning the printhead to the starting position of the next move. The inefficiencies inherent in these reciprocating motions reduce the productivity of the 3D printing process.
  • the invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects, such as casting cores, toys, bottles, cans, architectural models, automotive parts, molecular models, models of body parts, cell phone housings, and footwear, more rapidly and efficiently than heretofore achievable. Additionally, the invention relates to systems and methods for maintaining and operating the aforementioned apparatus. In particular, if a user wants to produce large volumes of three-dimensional objects rapidly, a 3D printing apparatus in accordance with the invention can achieve a high throughput by continuously printing, using multiple printheads.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a representation of the object stored in memory.
  • the apparatus includes a rotary build table for receiving successive layers of a build material and an array having at least one printhead disposed above the build table.
  • the rotary table rotates continuously.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to an apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a representation of the object stored in memory.
  • the apparatus includes a generally circular build table for receiving successive layers of a build material and an array having at least one printhead disposed above the build table and movable relative to the build table.
  • the generally circular build table is movable in a vertical direction.
  • the printhead is movable over at least a portion of a build surface defined by the generally circular build table and the printhead can move continuously about the build table.
  • the array is configured to dispense fluid at substantially any radial location of the build table by moving the array radially to the desired location.
  • the invention in yet another aspect, relates to a method of fabricating a three-dimensional object.
  • the method includes the steps of depositing successive layers of a build material on a rotary build table and depositing a liquid in a predetermined pattern on each successive layer of the build material to form the three-dimensional object.
  • the method includes the steps of: rotating the build table continuously, distributing the build material over at least a portion of the build table with a spreader, measuring an amount of excess build material deposited on the build table, and adjusting the amount of build material deposited on the build table based on the amount of excess build material measured.
  • the liquid can be deposited by an array of one or more printheads.
  • the invention in still another aspect, relates to a method of fabricating a three-dimensional object.
  • the method includes the steps of depositing successive layers of a build material on a generally circular build table and depositing a liquid in a predetermined pattern on each successive layer of the build material to form the three-dimensional object.
  • the liquid is deposited by an array of at least one printhead and the printhead is movable over at least a portion of a build surface defined by the generally circular build table.
  • the printhead can move continuously about the build table and the build table can move in a vertical direction.
  • the apparatus includes a build material delivery system.
  • the system includes a storage means for holding the build material and a conveying means for delivering the build material to the build table.
  • the storage means includes at least two storage chambers for holding at least two build material components separate from each other and the system further includes a blender for mixing the build material components in a predetermined ratio for delivery to the build table.
  • the apparatus can include a spreader for distributing the build material over at least a portion of the build table.
  • the spreader can be a counter-rotating roller, and the counter-rotating roller can be skewed with respect to a radius of the rotary build table to induce excess build material to migrate over an edge of the build table.
  • the apparatus can include a sensor disposed below an edge of the build table to detect an amount of the excess build material. An amount of build material delivered to the build table can be adjusted in response to the amount of excess build material detected.
  • the sensor can automatically monitor printhead condition, and the apparatus can automatically modify its operation in response to a signal from the sensor. In one example, printhead cleaning is initiated if print quality is inadequate. In another example, the apparatus can utilize the redundant printheads in areas where the printing coverage is inadequate.
  • the array can include a plurality of printheads disposed above the build table.
  • the array is configured to dispense fluid at substantially any radial location of the rotary build table without adjustment.
  • the array prints an entire surface of the build table by continuous consecutive radial scanning motions.
  • the array can be adjusted incrementally radially and/or can be displaced from a normal printing position for servicing. Further, the array can be displaced radially with respect to the rotary build table.
  • the array can include redundant printheads.
  • the apparatus defines an opening for removing the three-dimensional object.
  • the three-dimensional object is removed through a top opening of the build table.
  • the apparatus can include a sensor to monitor at least one performance characteristic of the apparatus, such as print quality, printing errors, print speed, printhead condition, build material quantity, and table position.
  • the array is movable in response to a signal from the sensor.
  • the apparatus can also include a plurality of rotary build tables.
  • the invention can include methods and apparatus for cleaning the printheads of the apparatus.
  • Methods of cleaning the printhead can include wiping the printhead with a roller including a cleaning fluid, drawing a vibrating member across the printhead, drawing a cleaning fluid across the printhead by capillary action through a wick, and/or combinations thereof.
  • the methods can include optionally the step of applying a vacuum to the printhead to remove debris.
  • the apparatus for cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer can include a wick disposed adjacent the printhead for drawing a cleaning fluid across the printhead.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to an apparatus for cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer.
  • the pressure in the interior of a printhead is typically lower than atmospheric pressure. This negative pressure is balanced by the surface tension of the meniscuses that form over the outlets of the printhead nozzles. It is desirable to flush the accumulated powder off the face of the printhead with a clean wash solution without allowing the solution to be drawn into the printhead when the meniscuses are destroyed.
  • This goal is achieved in this apparatus by maintaining an environment outside the printhead in which the pressure is lower than the pressure inside the head.
  • this induced pressure differential causes binder to flow out of the heads through the nozzles, flushing out any powder that may have lodged in the nozzle passageways.
  • the apparatus includes a base, a cam track disposed within the base, a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track, and a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier.
  • the cap being transportable into engagement with the face of the printhead by the carrier.
  • the apparatus includes a cleaning fluid source in communication with the cap for cleaning the printhead face and a vacuum source in communication with the cap for removing used wash fluid and debris.
  • the apparatus can also include a spring coupled to the carrier and the base to bias the carrier into a receiving position for receiving the printhead.
  • the carrier includes a stop disposed on a distal end of the carrier for engaging the printhead as the printhead enters the apparatus. The printhead slides the carrier rearward along the cam track after engaging the stop and until the printhead face and cap sealably engage.
  • the apparatus includes a latch pawl coupled to the base for engaging with the carrier to prevent forward movement of the carrier and a squeegee disposed on a proximal end of the carrier. The squeegee is positioned to engage the printhead face as the printhead exits the apparatus.
  • the invention in still another aspect, relates to a method of cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer.
  • the method includes the step of receiving the printhead within an apparatus that includes a base, a cam track disposed within the base, a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track, and a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier. Additional steps include engaging the face of the printhead with the cap, drawing a vacuum on the cavity, and introducing a cleaning fluid into the cavity and into contact with the printhead face.
  • the method includes the step of removing the cleaning fluid from the cavity. The method can further include disengaging the cap from the printing surface and wiping the printing surface with a squeegee as the printhead is withdrawn from the apparatus.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to an apparatus for cleaning or reconditioning a printhead.
  • the apparatus includes a nozzle array for spraying a washing solution towards a face of a printhead and a wicking member disposed in proximity to the printhead face for removing excess washing solution from the printhead face.
  • the nozzle array includes one or more individual nozzles.
  • the wicking member and the printhead are capable of relative movement.
  • a fluid source can also be included in the apparatus for providing washing solution to the nozzle array under pressure.
  • the wicking member includes at least one of a permeable material and an impermeable material.
  • the nozzle array can be positioned to spray the washing solution at an angle with respect to the printhead face.
  • the wicking member is disposed in close proximity to the printhead face, without contacting print nozzles located on the printhead face.
  • the spacing between the wicking member and the print nozzles can be automatically maintained. In one embodiment, the spacing is maintained by causing a portion of the wicking member to bear on the printhead face in a location removed from the print nozzles.
  • the apparatus can also include a basin for collecting washing solution and debris.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a method of cleaning or reconditioning a printhead.
  • the method includes the steps of positioning a face of the printhead relative to at least one nozzle and operating the at least one nozzle to spray washing solution towards the printhead face. Excess washing solution is then removed from the printhead face by passing a wicking member in close proximity to the printhead face, without contacting the printhead face.
  • the step of operating the at least one nozzle includes spraying the washing solution at an angle to the printhead face.
  • the method can include the step of operating the printhead to expel washing solution ingested by the printhead during cleaning.
  • the method can include automatically maintaining a space between the wicking member and print nozzles located on the printhead face by, for example, causing a portion of the wicking member to bear on the printhead face in a location removed from the print nozzles.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic top perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the spreader apparatus
  • FIG. 5A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken at line 5 A- 5 A in FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 5B is an enlarged schematic perspective view of an overflow sensor in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a system for 3D printing including a 3D printing apparatus and a build material delivery system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a system for 3D printing including a 3D printing apparatus and a build material delivery system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention with a build drum partially cut-away;
  • FIG. 7B is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7A with a portion of the build material removed from the build drum;
  • FIG. 8A is an enlarged schematic perspective of one embodiment of a printbar assembly including a print diagnostic station in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of the diagnostic station of FIG. 8A ;
  • FIGS. 9A-9J are schematic representations of one embodiment of an apparatus and method for cleaning a printhead in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of one step of the method of cleaning a printhead depicted in FIGS. 9A-9J ;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a printhead cleaning station in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic side and perspective views of a printhead being cleaned at the cleaning station of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a printhead cleaning station in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 14A-14D are schematic representations of one embodiment of a radial printing process in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic top views of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 1-3 depict an apparatus 10 for 3D printing.
  • the apparatus 10 produces three-dimensional objects by depositing alternating layers of build material and binder on a build surface or in a container to print multiple layers that ultimately form the three-dimensional object.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a rotary build table, in this case a build drum 12 , a structural frame 14 , a base 16 , at least one printbar assembly 18 , a powdered build material dispenser assembly 20 , and a spreader assembly 22 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes two printbar assemblies 18 A, 18 B.
  • the apparatus 10 further includes a component-mounting surface 26 attached to the frame 14 .
  • the component mounting surface 26 may be movable to provide access to the build drum 12 .
  • the various assemblies 18 , 20 , 22 are typically mounted to the component mounting surface 26 and/or the frame 14 . It is generally advantageous, for maintenance purposes, for the assemblies 18 , 20 , 22 to be stationary and the build drum 12 to rotate. For example, with redundant stationary printbar assemblies 18 , a user can change out one printbar assembly 18 while the other printbar assembly 18 continues to operate.
  • the apparatus 10 can include essentially any number of printbar assemblies 18 mounted in a variety of configurations for accomplishing printhead redundancy, increasing print speeds, and/or printing multiple colors.
  • the build drum 12 shown is generally cylindrical in shape and is mounted about a center shaft 28 attached to the base 16 and the frame 14 .
  • a bottom surface 17 of the build drum 12 may be substantially perpendicular to a sidewall 19 of the build drum 12 , or the bottom surface 17 can be angled.
  • the bottom surface 17 may be conical, such that the surface tilts toward a center point of the build drum 12 .
  • the tilt may be from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees or more.
  • the dispenser, the spreader, and the printbars should be slanted to correspond to the angle of tilt.
  • the build drum 12 is mounted on a rotary actuator 29 that rotates the build drum 12 about the center shaft 28 .
  • the rotary actuator 29 could be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically driven.
  • the rotary actuator 29 can include gears and belts for driving the build drum 12 .
  • the rotary actuator 29 may include one or more encoders 46 , or similar devices, that cooperate with a controller to monitor and adjust the speed and/or position of the build drum 12 .
  • the encoders 46 can also be used to control the firing of the printheads 48 , such that the printheads 48 print accurately and repeatedly, regardless of variations in the rotational speed of the build drum 12 .
  • the build drum 12 receives build material from the build material dispenser assembly 20 that is located adjacent to the build drum 12 .
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 is mounted above the build drum 12 and dispenses build material onto the build drum 12 as it rotates.
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 deposits a predetermined amount of material onto the build drum 12 in the form of a line substantially along a radius of the build drum 12 .
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 could include nozzles for spraying the material onto the build drum 12 .
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 could include a volumetric adjuster, for manually or automatically adjusting the amount of material being deposited.
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 is supported on the component-mounting surface 26 .
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 may be supplied by a larger dispenser assembly located remotely from the apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ). Further, the build material dispenser assembly 20 may include an agitator to maintain the build material in a loose powder form.
  • the spreader assembly 22 Located adjacent the build material dispenser assembly 20 is the spreader assembly 22 .
  • the spreader assembly 22 spreads the build material uniformly across the build drum 12 as it rotates.
  • the spreader assembly 22 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3 .
  • the spreader assembly 22 includes a counter-rotating spreader roll 52 that spreads the build material radially across the build drum 12 , thereby forming a build surface 24 .
  • the spreader assembly 22 also includes a roll scraper 54 that removes build material that may become stuck to the roll 52 .
  • the spreader assembly 22 is also mounted on the component-mounting surface 26 .
  • the build drum 12 moves downwardly relative to the assemblies 18 , 20 , 22 mounted on the component mounting surface 26 .
  • the center shaft 28 and the build drum 12 are threaded and the build drum 12 threadedly engages the center shaft 28 .
  • the build drum 12 moves down the center shaft 28 .
  • the build drum 12 includes a bottom surface 17 that moves downwardly relative to the build drum 12 to continuously receive layers of build material.
  • the bottom surface 17 is moved vertically by one or more linear actuators 191 .
  • the linear actuators could be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically driven.
  • the assemblies 18 , 20 , 22 move upwardly relative to the build drum 12 and the build surface 24 .
  • the build drum 12 may include structure for facilitating removal of completed parts.
  • the build drum 12 includes an opening in its bottom or side surface that allows for removal of the parts from the bottom and/or side, while the apparatus 10 continues to print above.
  • the apparatus 10 may print a bottom plate covering essentially the entire build surface 24 before printing any parts. The bottom plate(s) would separate the layers of printed parts to prevent the inadvertent removal of build material or unfinished parts.
  • the user could stop the printing process and remove the parts manually from the top, bottom, or side (see FIGS. 7A and 7B ).
  • the spreader assembly 22 is disposed slightly non-radially, with respect to the build drum 12 .
  • the build material dispenser assembly 20 deposits a substantially radial line of material in front of the spreader assembly 22 as the build drum 12 rotates (arrow 44 ).
  • the apparatus 10 can be configured to operate with the drum 12 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the top as illustrated or clockwise in a mirror image of the configuration shown.
  • the non-radial spreader assembly 22 spreads the material, forcing the excess material to migrate towards a center opening 56 in the build drum 12 .
  • the excess material falls into an overflow tray 68 (see FIGS. 1-2 ) located beneath the build drum 12 .
  • the apparatus 10 is configured to reclaim the excess material for later use.
  • the apparatus 10 includes an overflow sensor 58 .
  • the sensor 58 monitors the amount of excess material falling through the center opening 56 .
  • the sensor 58 sends a signal to the apparatus controller indicative of the amount of excess material measured.
  • the apparatus 10 can, in response to the signal, adjust the amount of material dispensed by the build material dispenser assembly 20 .
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B The sensor 58 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B .
  • FIG. 5A depicts the general location of the sensor 58 on the apparatus 10 .
  • the sensor 58 is disposed within the center opening 56 and is mounted to the non-rotating center shaft 28 .
  • FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the sensor 58 .
  • the sensor 58 includes a shaft 66 for mounting the sensor 58 to the center shaft 28 .
  • At a distal end of the shaft 66 is a paddlewheel assembly including a magnetic sensor 60 and a series of magnets 62 located on individual legs 64 of the paddlewheel 65 . As excess material falls, it impinges on the legs 64 , causing the paddle wheel 65 to rotate. The speed and/or period of rotation can be used to ascertain the amount of excess material being deposited, which can be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, other types of sensors or more than one sensor can be used.
  • Each printbar assembly 18 includes a printhead carrier 42 , for carrying at least one printhead 48 , a service station 34 , a printhead diagnostics station 38 , a printbar motor 36 , a printbar cable guide 32 , and a printbar slide 30 .
  • One of the two assemblies 18 A, 18 B can be redundant to the other. Alternatively, many more printbar assemblies 18 could be included on the apparatus 10 .
  • the printbar cable guide 32 guides and secures the electrical connections to the printheads 48 .
  • the printbar slide 30 is attached to the component-mounting surface 26 and supports the printhead carrier 42 , the service station 34 , the printhead diagnostics station 38 , and the printbar motor 36 .
  • the print bar motor 36 can be a servo type motor, used to radially move the printbar assembly 18 relative to the build drum 12 along the slide 30 . It is generally advantageous to use a positioning system capable of accurate and repeatable control, because this directly influences the accuracy of the objects being produced.
  • the printhead carrier 42 is radially movable to position the printheads 48 for printing and for performing service on the printheads 48 .
  • the printhead carrier 42 can be moved along a radius of the build drum 12 to correct for deficiencies in print quality.
  • the printhead carrier 42 supports a printhead array 40 , which may include any number of printheads 48 , for example a single printhead 48 or eight rows of six printheads 48 .
  • the printhead array 40 may include redundant printheads 48 , which compensate for the deficiencies in print quality.
  • the printheads 48 can be commercially available inkjet type printheads or custom manufactured printheads to suit a particular application.
  • the printheads 48 include multiple jets, for example 512 jets, each jet for depositing a drop of binder onto the build surface 24 .
  • the printheads 48 can be moved incrementally back and forth along the radius in a “shingling” fashion to compensate for irregularities in printing, for example, if some jets are not working, misfire, or are out of alignment.
  • Shingling allows the apparatus 10 to produce stronger parts, because printing errors are averaged out.
  • shingling reduces the affect of jets that are not printing properly by offsetting the jets by a small amount such that any line of unprinted build material caused by a missing jet is in a different location on each print layer.
  • Shingling can be carried out in various ways, for example, in response to an error message or the apparatus 10 can be programmed to continuously shingle by moving the printheads 48 in and out along the radius a random distance between the printing of each layer.
  • the apparatus 10 can be programmed to run a printing routine, where the printheads 48 are moved a set distance for a specific number of print layers and then reset to a starting position. For example, the printheads 48 can be moved out along the radius 1/16′′ for each print layer until the printheads 48 have been moved a total of 1 ⁇ 4′′. Then, the printheads 48 can be moved back in along the radius to their starting position or be moved back incrementally. Therefore, the apparatus 10 is printing over the same areas with different printheads 48 to average out any errors.
  • FIGS. 14A-14D depict generally a radial scanning print process, where a printhead array moves continuously in and out along a radius of a build drum, as the build drum rotates continuously. In such a process, the printhead array scans an entire build surface of the 3D printer.
  • FIG. 14A is a schematic isometric view of a 3D printer 200 in accordance with the invention.
  • the 3D printer 200 is similar to the 3D printer 10 previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 .
  • the 3D printer 200 includes a build drum 212 and two printbar assemblies 201 A, 201 B. Each printbar assembly 201 A, 201 B includes a printhead array 202 .
  • FIG. 14B is a schematic top view of the 3D printer 200 of FIG. 14A .
  • the printbar assemblies 201 A, 201 B include printhead carriers 203 that move in and out, generally along a radius of the build drum 212 , as shown by arrow 204 .
  • the build drum 212 includes a build surface 224 and rotates counter-clockwise, as shown by arrow 244 .
  • the build drum 212 moves relatively slowly, while the printhead carriers 203 move more rapidly.
  • FIGS. 14C and 14D are enlarged schematic top views of the 3D printer 200 of FIG. 14A .
  • the printhead array 202 includes six printheads 248 staggered along a length of the printhead carrier 203 ; however, the array 202 could be made up of essentially any number or arrangement of printheads 248 .
  • the six staggered printheads 248 define the printing swath width 206 .
  • each printhead 248 prints a 1 ⁇ 2′′ swath, resulting in a swath width 206 of about 3′′.
  • the width 206 is obtained with all of the jets printing; however, different swath widths and shapes can be achieved by controlling the number and arrangement of jets that actually fire.
  • the printhead carrier 203 moves the printhead array 202 radially in and out, the printheads 248 print on the in stroke, as shown by arrow 205 .
  • FIG. 14D depicts the specific details of the print swaths.
  • the swaths print canted to a radius of the build drum 212 , because the build drum 212 is rotating as the printheads 248 are printing along the radius.
  • the printhead travel path 207 includes a print stroke 208 and a return stroke 209 (the lines shown represent the centerline of the printhead array 202 ).
  • the return stroke 209 occurs as the printhead carrier 203 moves radially outward, and the print stroke 208 occurs as the printhead carrier 203 moves radially inward.
  • not all of the jets are firing along the entire print stroke 208 , resulting in a used printable area 213 and an unused printable area 211 .
  • the used printable area 213 of the swath is widest at a point furthest from the center of the build drum 212 .
  • the various 3D printers disclosed herein print based on polar coordinates (i.e., r, ⁇ ), as opposed to linear printers, which print based on rectangular coordinates (i.e., x, y).
  • the disclosed 3D printers include logic for converting rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates for printing on a radial build surface.
  • the converting logic typically resides in the controller that controls the operation of the 3D printer.
  • the printheads are printing along a radius, not all of the jets of the printhead print every time.
  • the jets located closest to the center of the print arrays tend to print less, thereby resulting in a longer duty life.
  • the printheads located on the outsides of the print arrays tend to fail first.
  • the apparatus 10 can include one or more sensors to measure the print quality or other characteristics of the apparatus 10 , such as print speed, printhead condition (e.g., an empty or dirty printhead), misfiring jets, build material quantity, and/or build drum position.
  • a sensor can monitor the print quality by determining if the printheads 48 are printing properly and, if not, can send a signal to the apparatus controller to shift the printheads 48 to compensate for printheads 48 that are not printing properly. For example, the controller could move the printheads 48 radially a very small amount for shingling purposes.
  • a sensor can be used to determine whether all, or at least a minimum number, of jets are firing and, if not, signal the user to replace a printhead 48 . Additionally, sensors can be used to monitor and control other functions, such as running diagnostic tests, performing cleaning of the printheads 48 , refilling the build material dispenser assembly 20 , cleaning the spreader assembly 22 , and performing any other desired function of the apparatus 10 .
  • the printbar assembly 18 can also be moved for diagnostic or service purposes. Moving the printhead array 40 radially from the build drum 12 provides the user with access to the printheads 48 for maintenance purposes, such as cleaning or replacement. Printhead cleaning is described in detail with respect to FIGS. 9A-9J , 10 , 11 , 12 A- 12 C, and 13 A- 13 D.
  • the printhead array 40 can also be moved radially outwardly to run a diagnostic routine of the printhead array 40 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B ).
  • the printbar assembly 18 can be raised from the build drum 12 for service purposes.
  • the size and exact configuration of the apparatus 10 can vary to suit a particular application.
  • the apparatus 10 could be sized to fit on a tabletop to produce relatively small three-dimensional objects, or the apparatus 10 could have a substantial footprint for producing relatively large three-dimensional objects.
  • the build drum 12 has an outside diameter of about six feet, an inside diameter of about two feet, and a depth of about two feet.
  • the size of the build drum 12 can vary to suit a particular application.
  • the apparatus 10 can be situated within an enclosure and can include air handling equipment for cleaning the work environment. The enclosure can include windows for monitoring operation of the apparatus 10 .
  • the apparatus 10 may include multiple build drums 12 and printbar assemblies 18 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes multiple build drums 12 spaced about a centrally located gantry that carries the printing components, i.e., material dispenser, spreader, and the printheads.
  • the gantry can be rotated into position above one of the build drums 12 .
  • the user can be printing on one build drum 12 while removing parts from another build drum 12 , thereby allowing for continuous operation.
  • the build drum 12 can be radially stationary, but vertically movable.
  • the printing components are configured to move radially about the build drum 12 .
  • the gantry supporting the printing components rotates radially about the build drum 12 while the printheads move back and forth along a radius of the build drum 12 . This configuration allows for printing over substantially the entire surface area of the build drum 12 .
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B depict an alternative embodiment of a 3D printing apparatus 300 in accordance with the invention.
  • the apparatus 300 includes three build drums 312 disposed on a carousel 313 .
  • the printing hardware is stationary as the carousel 313 rotates the build drums 312 around a carousel pivot shaft 314 into alignment with the printing hardware.
  • the build drums 312 and printing hardware are essentially the same as previously described.
  • FIG. 15B depicts the carousel 313 rotating counter-clockwise (arrow 315 ) to move one build drum 312 A out of alignment with the printing hardware and a second build drum 312 B into alignment with the printing hardware.
  • the carousel can rotate in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
  • One advantage to this arrangement is that the apparatus 300 can be printing on one build drum 312 C, while one set of printed objects can be curing in the second build drum 312 B and another set of printed objects are being removed from the third build drum 312 A.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B depict systems 70 , 92 for 3D printing utilizing two different build material feed systems 74 , 96 .
  • the system 70 includes a 3D printing apparatus 72 , similar to that previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 , and the build material feed system 74 remotely connected to the 3D printing apparatus 72 .
  • the build material feed system 74 includes a storage bin, or hopper 80 , for holding the build material and structure for conveying the build material to the 3D printing apparatus 72 .
  • the hopper 80 may include multiple internal compartments for holding multiple build material components that are mixed before being conveyed to the three-dimensional printing apparatus 72 . Additionally, the multiple compartments might hold different types of build materials, with the build material feed system 74 including structure for delivering one or more different materials to the apparatus 72 .
  • the build material feed system 74 shown in FIG. 6A includes a supply duct 82 , a supply pump 84 , a return (or overflow) duct 88 , and a return (or overflow) pump 90 .
  • These components 82 , 84 , 88 , 90 connect the hopper 80 with the 3D printing apparatus 72 and are capable of conveying a continuous or intermittent flow of material to the 3D printing apparatus 72 , as needed.
  • the ducts 82 , 88 can be rigid or flexible or combinations thereof.
  • a flexible hose can be used at the connection points between the ducts 82 , 88 and the 3D printing apparatus 72 , while the portion of the ducts 82 , 88 running between the build material feed system 74 and the 3D printing apparatus 72 can be rigid pipe.
  • the build material feed system 74 could include a conveyer belt system, a carousel, a feed screw, a gravity feed system, or other known components for transporting loose powder materials. The systems could be operated manually or driven pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically.
  • the build material feed system 74 may include a main fill port or duct 86 on the hopper 80 . Further, the build material feed system 74 may include one or more sensors connected to the controller 73 to monitor and control material levels in the hopper 80 and/or the amount and the rate of the materials being delivered to the 3D printing apparatus 72 .
  • the hopper 80 is filled with build material, typically in powder form, via the duct 86 .
  • the hopper 80 may include a removable cover for filling.
  • the material is directly fed to the 3D printing apparatus 72 via the supply duct 82 exiting the bottom of the hopper 80 .
  • the supply pump 84 is located in the supply duct 82 to facilitate transportation of the material to a build material dispenser assembly 76 on the 3D printing apparatus 72 .
  • the excess material is collected in a material overflow tray 78 located on the 3D printing apparatus 72 and returned directly to the hopper 80 via the return duct 88 and the return pump 90 located in the return duct 88 .
  • the material is returned to the top of the hopper 80 .
  • the return material is processed before being returned to the hopper 80 .
  • the build material feed system 74 may include an agitation component to maintain the build material in a powder form.
  • the build material feed system 74 may include components for handling build materials supplied in other than powder form.
  • the system 92 includes a 3D printing apparatus 94 , similar to that previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 , and the build material feed system 96 remotely connected to the 3D printing apparatus 94 .
  • the build material feed system 96 is similar to the system 74 described with respect to FIG. 6A and includes a hopper 102 , a supply duct 106 , a supply pump 108 , a return (or overflow) duct 114 , and a return (or overflow) pump 116 .
  • the build material feed system 96 further includes a blending assembly 110 .
  • the blending assembly 110 is disposed in the supply duct feeding the 3D printing apparatus 94 ; however, the blending assembly 110 could be located in the hopper 102 to blend the materials before they leave the hopper 102 .
  • the blending assembly 110 includes multiple component hoppers 112 .
  • the main hopper 102 holds one or more of the major constituents of the build material that are supplied to the blending assembly 110 , such as sand.
  • One or more additional constituents are introduced to the blending assembly 110 via the component hoppers 112 .
  • the blending assembly 110 controls the feed rate and blending of the various constituents to create the final build material.
  • the blending assembly 110 can blend the excess material received from the return duct 114 into the build material supplied to the 3D printing apparatus 94 .
  • the blending assembly 110 meters the excess material into the blended build material in such a manner as to not effect the quality of the material being delivered to the 3D printing apparatus 94 .
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the removal of three-dimensional objects or printed parts 126 from one embodiment of a 3D printing apparatus 120 in accordance with the invention.
  • the build drum 124 is shown in partial section to illustrate the positioning of the printed parts 126 .
  • Layers of the build material accumulate in the build drum 124 and the printed parts 126 are surrounded by non-printed (unbound) build material 128 .
  • the unbound build material 128 is evacuated from the build drum 124 by, for example, vacuuming.
  • the unbound material 128 could be drained through bottom or side openings in the build drum 124 .
  • the parts 126 can be manually or automatically removed from the build drum 124 .
  • the top opening 122 is partially covered. The parts 126 may be further processed, as needed.
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the diagnostic station 38 of FIG. 1 .
  • Other diagnostic systems are possible; for example detecting drops of binder or printing a test pattern on the build material.
  • the diagnostic station 38 as shown in detail in FIG. 8B , includes chart paper 130 mounted between a paper supply roll 132 and a paper take-up roll 134 , an optical scanner 138 , a fixed reference printhead 140 , and a paper drive capstan 136 .
  • the capstan 136 is used to accurately feed and position the chart paper 130 .
  • a portion of the printhead array 40 is moved in position over the diagnostic station 38 (arrow 142 in FIG. 8A ).
  • a clean section of chart paper 130 is positioned below the printhead array 40 (arrow 144 in FIG.
  • the printheads 48 including the reference printhead 140 , print on the chart paper 130 .
  • the printed test pattern is passed under the optical scanner 138 for analysis.
  • the optical scanner 138 is a CCD camera that reads the test image.
  • the apparatus controller 73 via the diagnostic station 38 , is able to determine if the printheads 48 are printing correctly or are in need of cleaning or replacement.
  • the chart paper 130 may move continuously while the printhead array 40 moves continuously over it, printing a test pattern on the paper.
  • FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate a system 146 for cleaning a printhead 150 .
  • the system 146 is located in the service station 34 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the system 146 includes a cleaning station 148 made up generally of a latch pawl 152 , a spring 154 , a squeegee 156 , a printhead cap 158 , a cap carrier 192 , a second spring 162 , and a cam track 164 .
  • Only a single cleaning station 148 is shown for descriptive purposes; however, multiple stations 148 may be disposed in the service station 34 .
  • a single cleaning station 148 may service multiple printheads 150 by, for example, successively positioning the printheads 150 relative to the cleaning station 148 .
  • FIG. 9A represents a starting position of the cleaning system 146 .
  • the printhead 150 approaches the cleaning station 148 and engages the latch pawl 152 .
  • the latch pawl 152 is actuated as the printhead 150 passes over the latch pawl 152 .
  • the printhead 150 continues to move past the latch pawl 152 and engages the squeegee 156 ( FIG. 9C ).
  • the printhead 150 passes over squeegee 156 .
  • the printhead 150 contacts the cap carrier 192 , which is driven along the cam track 164 and compresses the spring 162 .
  • the printhead cap 158 is positioned against a printhead face 160 ( FIGS. 9E and 9F ).
  • the printhead cap 158 seals against the printhead face 160 while the face 160 is rinsed with wash fluid (see FIG. 10 ).
  • the printhead 150 After the printhead face 160 is cleaned, the printhead 150 begins to move out of the cleaning station 148 ( FIG. 9G ).
  • the latch pawl 152 engages the cap carrier 192 , halting its movement.
  • the printhead 150 engages the squeegee 156 , which wipes the printhead face 160 .
  • the squeegee 156 vibrates to further clean the printhead face 160 .
  • the printhead 150 continues its forward movement, actuating the latch pawl 152 ( FIG. 9I ), which, in turn, releases the cap carrier 192 ( FIG. 9J ).
  • the cap carrier 192 snaps back to the start position.
  • the system 146 is now ready to clean another printhead 150 .
  • FIG. 10 depicts the action of FIG. 9F in greater detail.
  • the printhead 150 is positioned with the printhead face 160 against the printhead cap 158 , which in this embodiment is made of rubber.
  • the cap includes a seal lip 172 for sealing about the printhead face 160 .
  • the cleaning station 148 is coupled to a wash fluid supply container 182 via a supply duct 184 and a wash fluid return container 186 via a return duct 188 .
  • the wash fluid return container 186 is in communication with a vacuum source 180 , in this case a vacuum pump, via a vacuum duct 190 .
  • a valve 178 is located in the return duct 188 . The valve 178 may be manually or automatically actuated.
  • the vacuum source 180 creates a vacuum within a cavity 174 in the printhead cap 160 .
  • the vacuum pulls wash fluid from the supply container 182 through the supply duct 184 .
  • the wash fluid enters the cavity 174 as a spray 176 against the printhead face 160 .
  • the spray 176 washes debris, such as excess build material and dried binder, off the printhead face 160 .
  • the used wash fluid and debris are drawn out of the cavity 174 by the vacuum source 180 and into the return container 186 via the return duct 188 .
  • the negative pressure created in the cavity 174 by the vacuum source 180 prevents the wash fluid from entering the jet nozzles and, in fact, may cause a small amount of binder to flow out of the nozzles to flush any powdered build material out of the nozzle. Blockages or obstructions in the jet nozzles can cause the jets to fire in the wrong direction.
  • FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment of a cleaning station, also referred to as a reconditioning station 406 .
  • the reconditioning station 406 is shown removed from the printing apparatus 10 ; however, the reconditioning station 406 can be included on the printbar assembly 18 or in the service station 34 .
  • the reconditioning station 406 includes a plurality of wiping elements 408 and a plurality of lubricators 410 .
  • the wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 are mounted on a plate 412 that can be actuated to travel, as indicated by arrow 401 .
  • the engaging surfaces 414 of the wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 are disposed upwards so that when the printhead 476 is in the reconditioning station 406 , the wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 clean the printheads 476 from below ( FIGS. 12A-12C ). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, one wiper 408 and one lubricator 410 acting as a pair 416 are used to clean each printhead 476 . Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each wiper and lubricator pair 416 are offset from each other to correspond with the offset spacing of the printheads 476 (see, for example, printheads 48 in FIG. 8A ). In other embodiments, however, any number of wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 can be used to clean the printheads 476 , and the wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 can be spaced using any desirable geometry.
  • FIGS. 12A-12C depict one method of using the reconditioning station 106 .
  • the printhead(s) 476 is disposed above the reconditioning station 406 ( FIG. 12A ).
  • the plate 412 on which the wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 are mounted is then actuated into alignment with the printheads 476 , and the printheads 476 are wiped and lubricated from beneath to remove any accumulated grit and to improve the flow of binding material out of the printheads 476 .
  • the lubricator 410 applies a lubricant to the printhead face 477 to moisten any debris on the printhead face 477 .
  • the printhead 476 is moved to pass the printhead face 477 over the wiping element 408 (e.g., a squeegee), which wipes the printhead face 477 clean.
  • the printhead face 477 could be exposed to a vacuum source to remove any debris present thereon.
  • FIGS. 13A-13D depict an alternative embodiment of a reconditioning station 506 in accordance with the invention.
  • the reconditioning station 506 may also be mounted in the service station 34 .
  • the reconditioning station 506 includes a reservoir 542 that holds a washing solution 543 and a pump 545 that delivers the washing solution 543 under pressure to at least one nozzle 540 and preferably an array of nozzles 540 .
  • the nozzles 540 are capable of producing a high velocity stream of washing solution 543 . In operation, the nozzles 540 are directed to the printhead face 577 of the printhead 576 .
  • the washing solution 543 loosens and removes contaminants, such as build material and binding material, from the printhead face 577 .
  • the orientation of the nozzles 540 may be angled with respect to the printhead face 577 , such that a fluid flow is induced across a plane of the printhead face 577 .
  • the washing solution can contact the printhead 576 at the side nearest the nozzles 540 and drain from the side of the printhead 576 furthest from the nozzles 540 .
  • a splash guard may also be included in the reconditioning station 506 to contain splashing resulting from the streams of liquid washing solution 543 .
  • a wicking member 544 may be disposed such that the printhead face 577 may pass one or more times over its upper surface 546 in close proximity, without contact, allowing capillary forces to draw accumulated washing solution 543 away from the printhead face 577 .
  • the wicking member 544 may be made from rigid, semi-rigid, or compliant materials, and can be of an absorbent or impermeable nature, or any combination thereof.
  • the gap between the upper surface 546 of the wicking member 544 and the printhead face 577 must be small, a desirable range being between about 0 inches to about 0.03 inches.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a means for maintaining the gap in this range without resort to precise, rigid, and costly components.
  • the wicking member 544 may consist of a compliant rubber sheet oriented approximately orthogonal to the direction of relative motion 547 between the wicking member 544 , and the printhead 576 and with a portion of its upper edge 546 disposed so that it lightly contacts or interferes with the printhead face 577 only in non-critical areas away from the printhead nozzle orifices.
  • the upper edge 546 of the wicking member 544 may include one or more notches 548 at locations where the wicking member 544 might otherwise contact delicate components of the printhead face 577 .
  • wicking member 544 always contacts the printhead face 577 , and is deflected as the printhead 576 passes over it, independent of expected variations in the relative positions of the printhead 576 and the reconditioning station 506 .
  • the upper edge 546 accordingly follows the position of the printhead face 577 , maintaining by extension a substantially constant space between the printhead face 577 and the relieved surface notch 548 .
  • a bending zone of the wicking object 544 can be of reduced cross-section to provide reliable bending behavior with little deformation of the upper edge 546 of the wicking member 544 .
  • FIGS. 13B-13D illustrate a reconditioning cycle in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 13B shows the printhead 576 approaching the reconditioning station 506 along the path 547 .
  • the printhead 576 lightly contacts the wiping member 544 , as shown in FIG. 13C , motion stops along the path 547 and the washing solution 534 is directed at the printhead face 577 by the nozzle array 540 .
  • the spraying operation is complete, the printhead 576 continues to travel along the path 547 , as shown in FIG. 13D .
  • the wiping member 544 is further deflected to allow passage of the printhead 576 , and the accumulated washing solution 543 is wicked away from the printhead face 577 .
  • the printhead 576 may print a plurality of droplets to eject any washing solution that may have been ingested during the reconditioning process.
  • a cleaning system could include a continuous filament that carries wash fluid up to a printhead face and carries debris away to a sump.
  • the system may include a small scraper that can be run over the filament to remove built up debris.

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve continuously printing radially about a circular and/or rotating build table using multiple printheads. The apparatus and methods also include optionally using multiple build tables. The auxiliary systems relate to build material supply, printhead cleaning, diagnostics, and monitoring operation of the apparatus.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application incorporates by reference, and claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/472,922, which was filed on May 23, 2003.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for creating three-dimensional objects by printing.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Generally, 3D printing involves the use of an inkjet type printhead to deliver a liquid or colloidal binder material to layers of a powdered build material. The printing technique involves applying a layer of a powdered build material to a surface typically using a roller. After the build material is applied to the surface, the printhead delivers the liquid binder to predetermined areas of the layer of material. The binder infiltrates the material and reacts with the powder, causing the layer to solidify in the printed areas by, for example, activating an adhesive in the powder. The binder also penetrates into the underlying layers, producing interlayer bonding. After the first cross-sectional portion is formed, the previous steps are repeated, building successive cross-sectional portions until the final object is formed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,375,874 and 6,416,850, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • Apparatus for carrying out 3D printing typically move the printheads over the print surface in raster fashion along orthogonal X and Y axes. In addition to the time spent printing, each printhead move requires time for acceleration, deceleration, and returning the printhead to the starting position of the next move. The inefficiencies inherent in these reciprocating motions reduce the productivity of the 3D printing process.
  • It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for continuously and efficiently performing 3D printing.
  • SUMMARY
  • Generally, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects, such as casting cores, toys, bottles, cans, architectural models, automotive parts, molecular models, models of body parts, cell phone housings, and footwear, more rapidly and efficiently than heretofore achievable. Additionally, the invention relates to systems and methods for maintaining and operating the aforementioned apparatus. In particular, if a user wants to produce large volumes of three-dimensional objects rapidly, a 3D printing apparatus in accordance with the invention can achieve a high throughput by continuously printing, using multiple printheads.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a representation of the object stored in memory. The apparatus includes a rotary build table for receiving successive layers of a build material and an array having at least one printhead disposed above the build table. In one embodiment, the rotary table rotates continuously.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object from a representation of the object stored in memory. The apparatus includes a generally circular build table for receiving successive layers of a build material and an array having at least one printhead disposed above the build table and movable relative to the build table. In one embodiment, the generally circular build table is movable in a vertical direction. In various embodiments, the printhead is movable over at least a portion of a build surface defined by the generally circular build table and the printhead can move continuously about the build table. In one embodiment, the array is configured to dispense fluid at substantially any radial location of the build table by moving the array radially to the desired location.
  • In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of fabricating a three-dimensional object. The method includes the steps of depositing successive layers of a build material on a rotary build table and depositing a liquid in a predetermined pattern on each successive layer of the build material to form the three-dimensional object. In various embodiments, the method includes the steps of: rotating the build table continuously, distributing the build material over at least a portion of the build table with a spreader, measuring an amount of excess build material deposited on the build table, and adjusting the amount of build material deposited on the build table based on the amount of excess build material measured. Additionally, the liquid can be deposited by an array of one or more printheads.
  • In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of fabricating a three-dimensional object. The method includes the steps of depositing successive layers of a build material on a generally circular build table and depositing a liquid in a predetermined pattern on each successive layer of the build material to form the three-dimensional object. In various embodiments, the liquid is deposited by an array of at least one printhead and the printhead is movable over at least a portion of a build surface defined by the generally circular build table. In addition, the printhead can move continuously about the build table and the build table can move in a vertical direction.
  • In various embodiments of the foregoing aspects, the apparatus includes a build material delivery system. The system includes a storage means for holding the build material and a conveying means for delivering the build material to the build table. In one embodiment, the storage means includes at least two storage chambers for holding at least two build material components separate from each other and the system further includes a blender for mixing the build material components in a predetermined ratio for delivery to the build table. In addition, the apparatus can include a spreader for distributing the build material over at least a portion of the build table. The spreader can be a counter-rotating roller, and the counter-rotating roller can be skewed with respect to a radius of the rotary build table to induce excess build material to migrate over an edge of the build table.
  • In additional embodiments, the apparatus can include a sensor disposed below an edge of the build table to detect an amount of the excess build material. An amount of build material delivered to the build table can be adjusted in response to the amount of excess build material detected. In one embodiment, the sensor can automatically monitor printhead condition, and the apparatus can automatically modify its operation in response to a signal from the sensor. In one example, printhead cleaning is initiated if print quality is inadequate. In another example, the apparatus can utilize the redundant printheads in areas where the printing coverage is inadequate.
  • In other embodiments, the array can include a plurality of printheads disposed above the build table. In one embodiment, the array is configured to dispense fluid at substantially any radial location of the rotary build table without adjustment. In another embodiment, the array prints an entire surface of the build table by continuous consecutive radial scanning motions. In addition, the array can be adjusted incrementally radially and/or can be displaced from a normal printing position for servicing. Further, the array can be displaced radially with respect to the rotary build table. The array can include redundant printheads.
  • In further embodiments, the apparatus defines an opening for removing the three-dimensional object. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional object is removed through a top opening of the build table. Additionally, the apparatus can include a sensor to monitor at least one performance characteristic of the apparatus, such as print quality, printing errors, print speed, printhead condition, build material quantity, and table position. In one embodiment, the array is movable in response to a signal from the sensor. The apparatus can also include a plurality of rotary build tables.
  • In still other embodiments, the invention can include methods and apparatus for cleaning the printheads of the apparatus. Methods of cleaning the printhead can include wiping the printhead with a roller including a cleaning fluid, drawing a vibrating member across the printhead, drawing a cleaning fluid across the printhead by capillary action through a wick, and/or combinations thereof. In addition, the methods can include optionally the step of applying a vacuum to the printhead to remove debris. The apparatus for cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer can include a wick disposed adjacent the printhead for drawing a cleaning fluid across the printhead.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer. The pressure in the interior of a printhead is typically lower than atmospheric pressure. This negative pressure is balanced by the surface tension of the meniscuses that form over the outlets of the printhead nozzles. It is desirable to flush the accumulated powder off the face of the printhead with a clean wash solution without allowing the solution to be drawn into the printhead when the meniscuses are destroyed. This goal is achieved in this apparatus by maintaining an environment outside the printhead in which the pressure is lower than the pressure inside the head. In addition, this induced pressure differential causes binder to flow out of the heads through the nozzles, flushing out any powder that may have lodged in the nozzle passageways. The apparatus includes a base, a cam track disposed within the base, a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track, and a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier. The cap being transportable into engagement with the face of the printhead by the carrier. In various embodiments the apparatus includes a cleaning fluid source in communication with the cap for cleaning the printhead face and a vacuum source in communication with the cap for removing used wash fluid and debris.
  • In further embodiments, the apparatus can also include a spring coupled to the carrier and the base to bias the carrier into a receiving position for receiving the printhead. In one embodiment, the carrier includes a stop disposed on a distal end of the carrier for engaging the printhead as the printhead enters the apparatus. The printhead slides the carrier rearward along the cam track after engaging the stop and until the printhead face and cap sealably engage. In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes a latch pawl coupled to the base for engaging with the carrier to prevent forward movement of the carrier and a squeegee disposed on a proximal end of the carrier. The squeegee is positioned to engage the printhead face as the printhead exits the apparatus.
  • In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning a printhead used in a 3D printer. The method includes the step of receiving the printhead within an apparatus that includes a base, a cam track disposed within the base, a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track, and a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier. Additional steps include engaging the face of the printhead with the cap, drawing a vacuum on the cavity, and introducing a cleaning fluid into the cavity and into contact with the printhead face. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of removing the cleaning fluid from the cavity. The method can further include disengaging the cap from the printing surface and wiping the printing surface with a squeegee as the printhead is withdrawn from the apparatus.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning or reconditioning a printhead. The apparatus includes a nozzle array for spraying a washing solution towards a face of a printhead and a wicking member disposed in proximity to the printhead face for removing excess washing solution from the printhead face.
  • In various embodiments, the nozzle array includes one or more individual nozzles. The wicking member and the printhead are capable of relative movement. A fluid source can also be included in the apparatus for providing washing solution to the nozzle array under pressure. In another embodiment, the wicking member includes at least one of a permeable material and an impermeable material.
  • The nozzle array can be positioned to spray the washing solution at an angle with respect to the printhead face. In another embodiment, the wicking member is disposed in close proximity to the printhead face, without contacting print nozzles located on the printhead face. The spacing between the wicking member and the print nozzles can be automatically maintained. In one embodiment, the spacing is maintained by causing a portion of the wicking member to bear on the printhead face in a location removed from the print nozzles. The apparatus can also include a basin for collecting washing solution and debris.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning or reconditioning a printhead. The method includes the steps of positioning a face of the printhead relative to at least one nozzle and operating the at least one nozzle to spray washing solution towards the printhead face. Excess washing solution is then removed from the printhead face by passing a wicking member in close proximity to the printhead face, without contacting the printhead face.
  • In one embodiment, the step of operating the at least one nozzle includes spraying the washing solution at an angle to the printhead face. In another embodiment, the method can include the step of operating the printhead to expel washing solution ingested by the printhead during cleaning. The method can include automatically maintaining a space between the wicking member and print nozzles located on the printhead face by, for example, causing a portion of the wicking member to bear on the printhead face in a location removed from the print nozzles.
  • These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic top perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the spreader apparatus;
  • FIG. 5A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken at line 5A-5A in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 5B is an enlarged schematic perspective view of an overflow sensor in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a system for 3D printing including a 3D printing apparatus and a build material delivery system in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a system for 3D printing including a 3D printing apparatus and a build material delivery system in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention with a build drum partially cut-away;
  • FIG. 7B is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7A with a portion of the build material removed from the build drum;
  • FIG. 8A is an enlarged schematic perspective of one embodiment of a printbar assembly including a print diagnostic station in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of the diagnostic station of FIG. 8A;
  • FIGS. 9A-9J are schematic representations of one embodiment of an apparatus and method for cleaning a printhead in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of one step of the method of cleaning a printhead depicted in FIGS. 9A-9J;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a printhead cleaning station in accordance with the invention;
  • FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic side and perspective views of a printhead being cleaned at the cleaning station of FIG. 11;
  • FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic perspective views of another alternative embodiment of a printhead cleaning station in accordance with the invention;
  • FIGS. 14A-14D are schematic representations of one embodiment of a radial printing process in accordance with the invention; and
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic top views of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for 3D printing in accordance with the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that variations, modifications, and equivalents that are apparent to the person skilled in the art are also included.
  • FIGS. 1-3 depict an apparatus 10 for 3D printing. The apparatus 10 produces three-dimensional objects by depositing alternating layers of build material and binder on a build surface or in a container to print multiple layers that ultimately form the three-dimensional object. The apparatus 10 includes a rotary build table, in this case a build drum 12, a structural frame 14, a base 16, at least one printbar assembly 18, a powdered build material dispenser assembly 20, and a spreader assembly 22. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 10 includes two printbar assemblies 18A, 18B. The apparatus 10 further includes a component-mounting surface 26 attached to the frame 14. In one embodiment, the component mounting surface 26 may be movable to provide access to the build drum 12. The various assemblies 18, 20, 22 are typically mounted to the component mounting surface 26 and/or the frame 14. It is generally advantageous, for maintenance purposes, for the assemblies 18, 20, 22 to be stationary and the build drum 12 to rotate. For example, with redundant stationary printbar assemblies 18, a user can change out one printbar assembly 18 while the other printbar assembly 18 continues to operate. In addition, the apparatus 10 can include essentially any number of printbar assemblies 18 mounted in a variety of configurations for accomplishing printhead redundancy, increasing print speeds, and/or printing multiple colors.
  • The build drum 12 shown is generally cylindrical in shape and is mounted about a center shaft 28 attached to the base 16 and the frame 14. A bottom surface 17 of the build drum 12 may be substantially perpendicular to a sidewall 19 of the build drum 12, or the bottom surface 17 can be angled. For example, the bottom surface 17 may be conical, such that the surface tilts toward a center point of the build drum 12. The tilt may be from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees or more. In such an arrangement, the dispenser, the spreader, and the printbars should be slanted to correspond to the angle of tilt.
  • In a particular embodiment, the build drum 12 is mounted on a rotary actuator 29 that rotates the build drum 12 about the center shaft 28. The rotary actuator 29 could be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically driven. The rotary actuator 29 can include gears and belts for driving the build drum 12. In addition, the rotary actuator 29 may include one or more encoders 46, or similar devices, that cooperate with a controller to monitor and adjust the speed and/or position of the build drum 12. The encoders 46 can also be used to control the firing of the printheads 48, such that the printheads 48 print accurately and repeatedly, regardless of variations in the rotational speed of the build drum 12.
  • The build drum 12 receives build material from the build material dispenser assembly 20 that is located adjacent to the build drum 12. In particular, the build material dispenser assembly 20 is mounted above the build drum 12 and dispenses build material onto the build drum 12 as it rotates. Typically, the build material dispenser assembly 20 deposits a predetermined amount of material onto the build drum 12 in the form of a line substantially along a radius of the build drum 12. Alternatively, the build material dispenser assembly 20 could include nozzles for spraying the material onto the build drum 12. In addition, the build material dispenser assembly 20 could include a volumetric adjuster, for manually or automatically adjusting the amount of material being deposited. The build material dispenser assembly 20 is supported on the component-mounting surface 26. In one embodiment, the build material dispenser assembly 20 may be supplied by a larger dispenser assembly located remotely from the apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). Further, the build material dispenser assembly 20 may include an agitator to maintain the build material in a loose powder form.
  • Located adjacent the build material dispenser assembly 20 is the spreader assembly 22. The spreader assembly 22 spreads the build material uniformly across the build drum 12 as it rotates. The spreader assembly 22 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The spreader assembly 22 includes a counter-rotating spreader roll 52 that spreads the build material radially across the build drum 12, thereby forming a build surface 24. The spreader assembly 22 also includes a roll scraper 54 that removes build material that may become stuck to the roll 52. The spreader assembly 22 is also mounted on the component-mounting surface 26.
  • The operation of the build drum 12 varies in different embodiments to accommodate the multiple layers of build material. For example, in one embodiment, the build drum 12 moves downwardly relative to the assemblies 18, 20, 22 mounted on the component mounting surface 26. In a particular embodiment, at least a portion of the center shaft 28 and the build drum 12 are threaded and the build drum 12 threadedly engages the center shaft 28. As the build drum 12 rotates, it moves down the center shaft 28. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the build drum 12 includes a bottom surface 17 that moves downwardly relative to the build drum 12 to continuously receive layers of build material. The bottom surface 17 is moved vertically by one or more linear actuators 191. The linear actuators could be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically driven. In yet another embodiment, the assemblies 18, 20, 22 move upwardly relative to the build drum 12 and the build surface 24.
  • It is advantageous for a user to be able to remove finished parts without stopping the printing process, therefore, the build drum 12 may include structure for facilitating removal of completed parts. In one example, the build drum 12 includes an opening in its bottom or side surface that allows for removal of the parts from the bottom and/or side, while the apparatus 10 continues to print above. In this example, the apparatus 10 may print a bottom plate covering essentially the entire build surface 24 before printing any parts. The bottom plate(s) would separate the layers of printed parts to prevent the inadvertent removal of build material or unfinished parts. Alternatively, the user could stop the printing process and remove the parts manually from the top, bottom, or side (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).
  • As shown in FIG. 4, the spreader assembly 22 is disposed slightly non-radially, with respect to the build drum 12. The build material dispenser assembly 20 deposits a substantially radial line of material in front of the spreader assembly 22 as the build drum 12 rotates (arrow 44). The apparatus 10 can be configured to operate with the drum 12 rotating in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the top as illustrated or clockwise in a mirror image of the configuration shown. The non-radial spreader assembly 22 spreads the material, forcing the excess material to migrate towards a center opening 56 in the build drum 12. The excess material falls into an overflow tray 68 (see FIGS. 1-2) located beneath the build drum 12. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 is configured to reclaim the excess material for later use. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 10 includes an overflow sensor 58. The sensor 58 monitors the amount of excess material falling through the center opening 56. The sensor 58 sends a signal to the apparatus controller indicative of the amount of excess material measured. The apparatus 10 can, in response to the signal, adjust the amount of material dispensed by the build material dispenser assembly 20.
  • The sensor 58 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A depicts the general location of the sensor 58 on the apparatus 10. The sensor 58 is disposed within the center opening 56 and is mounted to the non-rotating center shaft 28. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the sensor 58. The sensor 58 includes a shaft 66 for mounting the sensor 58 to the center shaft 28. At a distal end of the shaft 66 is a paddlewheel assembly including a magnetic sensor 60 and a series of magnets 62 located on individual legs 64 of the paddlewheel 65. As excess material falls, it impinges on the legs 64, causing the paddle wheel 65 to rotate. The speed and/or period of rotation can be used to ascertain the amount of excess material being deposited, which can be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, other types of sensors or more than one sensor can be used.
  • Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, two printbar assemblies 18A, 18B are shown disposed about the apparatus 10. Each printbar assembly 18 includes a printhead carrier 42, for carrying at least one printhead 48, a service station 34, a printhead diagnostics station 38, a printbar motor 36, a printbar cable guide 32, and a printbar slide 30. One of the two assemblies 18A, 18B can be redundant to the other. Alternatively, many more printbar assemblies 18 could be included on the apparatus 10. The printbar cable guide 32 guides and secures the electrical connections to the printheads 48. The printbar slide 30 is attached to the component-mounting surface 26 and supports the printhead carrier 42, the service station 34, the printhead diagnostics station 38, and the printbar motor 36. The print bar motor 36 can be a servo type motor, used to radially move the printbar assembly 18 relative to the build drum 12 along the slide 30. It is generally advantageous to use a positioning system capable of accurate and repeatable control, because this directly influences the accuracy of the objects being produced. The printhead carrier 42 is radially movable to position the printheads 48 for printing and for performing service on the printheads 48.
  • The printhead carrier 42 can be moved along a radius of the build drum 12 to correct for deficiencies in print quality. For example, the printhead carrier 42 supports a printhead array 40, which may include any number of printheads 48, for example a single printhead 48 or eight rows of six printheads 48. The printhead array 40 may include redundant printheads 48, which compensate for the deficiencies in print quality. The printheads 48 can be commercially available inkjet type printheads or custom manufactured printheads to suit a particular application. The printheads 48 include multiple jets, for example 512 jets, each jet for depositing a drop of binder onto the build surface 24.
  • The printheads 48 can be moved incrementally back and forth along the radius in a “shingling” fashion to compensate for irregularities in printing, for example, if some jets are not working, misfire, or are out of alignment. Shingling allows the apparatus 10 to produce stronger parts, because printing errors are averaged out. For example, shingling reduces the affect of jets that are not printing properly by offsetting the jets by a small amount such that any line of unprinted build material caused by a missing jet is in a different location on each print layer. Shingling can be carried out in various ways, for example, in response to an error message or the apparatus 10 can be programmed to continuously shingle by moving the printheads 48 in and out along the radius a random distance between the printing of each layer. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be programmed to run a printing routine, where the printheads 48 are moved a set distance for a specific number of print layers and then reset to a starting position. For example, the printheads 48 can be moved out along the radius 1/16″ for each print layer until the printheads 48 have been moved a total of ¼″. Then, the printheads 48 can be moved back in along the radius to their starting position or be moved back incrementally. Therefore, the apparatus 10 is printing over the same areas with different printheads 48 to average out any errors.
  • FIGS. 14A-14D depict generally a radial scanning print process, where a printhead array moves continuously in and out along a radius of a build drum, as the build drum rotates continuously. In such a process, the printhead array scans an entire build surface of the 3D printer. FIG. 14A is a schematic isometric view of a 3D printer 200 in accordance with the invention. The 3D printer 200 is similar to the 3D printer 10 previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The 3D printer 200 includes a build drum 212 and two printbar assemblies 201A, 201B. Each printbar assembly 201A, 201B includes a printhead array 202. FIG. 14B is a schematic top view of the 3D printer 200 of FIG. 14A. The printbar assemblies 201A, 201B include printhead carriers 203 that move in and out, generally along a radius of the build drum 212, as shown by arrow 204. As shown in FIG. 14B, the build drum 212 includes a build surface 224 and rotates counter-clockwise, as shown by arrow 244. Generally, the build drum 212 moves relatively slowly, while the printhead carriers 203 move more rapidly.
  • FIGS. 14C and 14D are enlarged schematic top views of the 3D printer 200 of FIG. 14A. As shown in FIG. 14C, the printhead array 202 includes six printheads 248 staggered along a length of the printhead carrier 203; however, the array 202 could be made up of essentially any number or arrangement of printheads 248. The six staggered printheads 248 define the printing swath width 206. In one embodiment, each printhead 248 prints a ½″ swath, resulting in a swath width 206 of about 3″. The width 206 is obtained with all of the jets printing; however, different swath widths and shapes can be achieved by controlling the number and arrangement of jets that actually fire. As the printhead carrier 203 moves the printhead array 202 radially in and out, the printheads 248 print on the in stroke, as shown by arrow 205.
  • FIG. 14D depicts the specific details of the print swaths. Generally, the swaths print canted to a radius of the build drum 212, because the build drum 212 is rotating as the printheads 248 are printing along the radius. The printhead travel path 207 includes a print stroke 208 and a return stroke 209 (the lines shown represent the centerline of the printhead array 202). The return stroke 209 occurs as the printhead carrier 203 moves radially outward, and the print stroke 208 occurs as the printhead carrier 203 moves radially inward. When printing, not all of the jets are firing along the entire print stroke 208, resulting in a used printable area 213 and an unused printable area 211. This is done to compensate for the fact that the printed swaths would otherwise overlap as the build drum 212 rotates. As shown, the printed segments 210 abut one another, thereby forming a fully printed area, as shown. The used printable area 213 of the swath is widest at a point furthest from the center of the build drum 212.
  • It should be noted that the various 3D printers disclosed herein print based on polar coordinates (i.e., r, θ), as opposed to linear printers, which print based on rectangular coordinates (i.e., x, y). The disclosed 3D printers include logic for converting rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates for printing on a radial build surface. The converting logic typically resides in the controller that controls the operation of the 3D printer.
  • In addition, because the printheads are printing along a radius, not all of the jets of the printhead print every time. In particular, the jets located closest to the center of the print arrays tend to print less, thereby resulting in a longer duty life. Correspondingly, the printheads located on the outsides of the print arrays tend to fail first.
  • In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 can include one or more sensors to measure the print quality or other characteristics of the apparatus 10, such as print speed, printhead condition (e.g., an empty or dirty printhead), misfiring jets, build material quantity, and/or build drum position. In a particular embodiment, a sensor can monitor the print quality by determining if the printheads 48 are printing properly and, if not, can send a signal to the apparatus controller to shift the printheads 48 to compensate for printheads 48 that are not printing properly. For example, the controller could move the printheads 48 radially a very small amount for shingling purposes. In one embodiment, a sensor can be used to determine whether all, or at least a minimum number, of jets are firing and, if not, signal the user to replace a printhead 48. Additionally, sensors can be used to monitor and control other functions, such as running diagnostic tests, performing cleaning of the printheads 48, refilling the build material dispenser assembly 20, cleaning the spreader assembly 22, and performing any other desired function of the apparatus 10.
  • The printbar assembly 18 can also be moved for diagnostic or service purposes. Moving the printhead array 40 radially from the build drum 12 provides the user with access to the printheads 48 for maintenance purposes, such as cleaning or replacement. Printhead cleaning is described in detail with respect to FIGS. 9A-9J, 10, 11, 12A-12C, and 13A-13D. The printhead array 40 can also be moved radially outwardly to run a diagnostic routine of the printhead array 40 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). In an alternative embodiment, the printbar assembly 18 can be raised from the build drum 12 for service purposes.
  • The size and exact configuration of the apparatus 10 can vary to suit a particular application. For example, the apparatus 10 could be sized to fit on a tabletop to produce relatively small three-dimensional objects, or the apparatus 10 could have a substantial footprint for producing relatively large three-dimensional objects. In a particular embodiment, the build drum 12 has an outside diameter of about six feet, an inside diameter of about two feet, and a depth of about two feet. The size of the build drum 12 can vary to suit a particular application. In addition, the apparatus 10 can be situated within an enclosure and can include air handling equipment for cleaning the work environment. The enclosure can include windows for monitoring operation of the apparatus 10.
  • Additionally, the apparatus 10 may include multiple build drums 12 and printbar assemblies 18. In one possible configuration, the apparatus 10 includes multiple build drums 12 spaced about a centrally located gantry that carries the printing components, i.e., material dispenser, spreader, and the printheads. The gantry can be rotated into position above one of the build drums 12. In this configuration, the user can be printing on one build drum 12 while removing parts from another build drum 12, thereby allowing for continuous operation. In another embodiment, the build drum 12 can be radially stationary, but vertically movable. In this embodiment, the printing components are configured to move radially about the build drum 12. In a particular embodiment, the gantry supporting the printing components rotates radially about the build drum 12 while the printheads move back and forth along a radius of the build drum 12. This configuration allows for printing over substantially the entire surface area of the build drum 12.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B depict an alternative embodiment of a 3D printing apparatus 300 in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 15A, the apparatus 300 includes three build drums 312 disposed on a carousel 313. The printing hardware is stationary as the carousel 313 rotates the build drums 312 around a carousel pivot shaft 314 into alignment with the printing hardware. The build drums 312 and printing hardware are essentially the same as previously described.
  • FIG. 15B depicts the carousel 313 rotating counter-clockwise (arrow 315) to move one build drum 312A out of alignment with the printing hardware and a second build drum 312B into alignment with the printing hardware. The carousel can rotate in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. One advantage to this arrangement is that the apparatus 300 can be printing on one build drum 312C, while one set of printed objects can be curing in the second build drum 312B and another set of printed objects are being removed from the third build drum 312A.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B depict systems 70, 92 for 3D printing utilizing two different build material feed systems 74, 96. Referring to FIG. 6A, the system 70 includes a 3D printing apparatus 72, similar to that previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, and the build material feed system 74 remotely connected to the 3D printing apparatus 72. The build material feed system 74 includes a storage bin, or hopper 80, for holding the build material and structure for conveying the build material to the 3D printing apparatus 72. The hopper 80 may include multiple internal compartments for holding multiple build material components that are mixed before being conveyed to the three-dimensional printing apparatus 72. Additionally, the multiple compartments might hold different types of build materials, with the build material feed system 74 including structure for delivering one or more different materials to the apparatus 72.
  • The build material feed system 74 shown in FIG. 6A includes a supply duct 82, a supply pump 84, a return (or overflow) duct 88, and a return (or overflow) pump 90. These components 82, 84, 88, 90 connect the hopper 80 with the 3D printing apparatus 72 and are capable of conveying a continuous or intermittent flow of material to the 3D printing apparatus 72, as needed. The ducts 82, 88 can be rigid or flexible or combinations thereof. For example, a flexible hose can be used at the connection points between the ducts 82, 88 and the 3D printing apparatus 72, while the portion of the ducts 82, 88 running between the build material feed system 74 and the 3D printing apparatus 72 can be rigid pipe. In alternative embodiments, the build material feed system 74 could include a conveyer belt system, a carousel, a feed screw, a gravity feed system, or other known components for transporting loose powder materials. The systems could be operated manually or driven pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically. Additionally, the build material feed system 74 may include a main fill port or duct 86 on the hopper 80. Further, the build material feed system 74 may include one or more sensors connected to the controller 73 to monitor and control material levels in the hopper 80 and/or the amount and the rate of the materials being delivered to the 3D printing apparatus 72.
  • The hopper 80 is filled with build material, typically in powder form, via the duct 86. Alternatively, the hopper 80 may include a removable cover for filling. The material is directly fed to the 3D printing apparatus 72 via the supply duct 82 exiting the bottom of the hopper 80. The supply pump 84 is located in the supply duct 82 to facilitate transportation of the material to a build material dispenser assembly 76 on the 3D printing apparatus 72. In the embodiment shown, the excess material is collected in a material overflow tray 78 located on the 3D printing apparatus 72 and returned directly to the hopper 80 via the return duct 88 and the return pump 90 located in the return duct 88. The material is returned to the top of the hopper 80. In an alternative embodiment, the return material is processed before being returned to the hopper 80. In a particular embodiment, the build material feed system 74 may include an agitation component to maintain the build material in a powder form. Alternatively or additionally, the build material feed system 74 may include components for handling build materials supplied in other than powder form.
  • As shown in FIG. 6B, the system 92 includes a 3D printing apparatus 94, similar to that previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3, and the build material feed system 96 remotely connected to the 3D printing apparatus 94. The build material feed system 96 is similar to the system 74 described with respect to FIG. 6A and includes a hopper 102, a supply duct 106, a supply pump 108, a return (or overflow) duct 114, and a return (or overflow) pump 116. The build material feed system 96 further includes a blending assembly 110. In the embodiment shown, the blending assembly 110 is disposed in the supply duct feeding the 3D printing apparatus 94; however, the blending assembly 110 could be located in the hopper 102 to blend the materials before they leave the hopper 102.
  • The blending assembly 110 includes multiple component hoppers 112. In this configuration, the main hopper 102 holds one or more of the major constituents of the build material that are supplied to the blending assembly 110, such as sand. One or more additional constituents are introduced to the blending assembly 110 via the component hoppers 112. The blending assembly 110 controls the feed rate and blending of the various constituents to create the final build material. Additionally, the blending assembly 110 can blend the excess material received from the return duct 114 into the build material supplied to the 3D printing apparatus 94. In a particular embodiment, the blending assembly 110 meters the excess material into the blended build material in such a manner as to not effect the quality of the material being delivered to the 3D printing apparatus 94.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the removal of three-dimensional objects or printed parts 126 from one embodiment of a 3D printing apparatus 120 in accordance with the invention. In FIG. 7A, the build drum 124 is shown in partial section to illustrate the positioning of the printed parts 126. Layers of the build material accumulate in the build drum 124 and the printed parts 126 are surrounded by non-printed (unbound) build material 128. There are various ways of removing the parts 126; however, in the embodiment shown, the parts 126 are removed though a top opening 122 of the build drum 124. Specifically, the unbound build material 128 is evacuated from the build drum 124 by, for example, vacuuming. Alternatively, the unbound material 128 could be drained through bottom or side openings in the build drum 124. Once the unbound material 128 is removed, the parts 126 can be manually or automatically removed from the build drum 124. In one embodiment, the top opening 122 is partially covered. The parts 126 may be further processed, as needed.
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the diagnostic station 38 of FIG. 1. Other diagnostic systems are possible; for example detecting drops of binder or printing a test pattern on the build material. The diagnostic station 38, as shown in detail in FIG. 8B, includes chart paper 130 mounted between a paper supply roll 132 and a paper take-up roll 134, an optical scanner 138, a fixed reference printhead 140, and a paper drive capstan 136. The capstan 136 is used to accurately feed and position the chart paper 130. To run a diagnostic test, a portion of the printhead array 40 is moved in position over the diagnostic station 38 (arrow 142 in FIG. 8A). A clean section of chart paper 130 is positioned below the printhead array 40 (arrow 144 in FIG. 8A). The printheads 48, including the reference printhead 140, print on the chart paper 130. The printed test pattern is passed under the optical scanner 138 for analysis. In one embodiment, the optical scanner 138 is a CCD camera that reads the test image. The apparatus controller 73, via the diagnostic station 38, is able to determine if the printheads 48 are printing correctly or are in need of cleaning or replacement. In an alternative embodiment, the chart paper 130 may move continuously while the printhead array 40 moves continuously over it, printing a test pattern on the paper.
  • FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate a system 146 for cleaning a printhead 150. The system 146 is located in the service station 34 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the system 146 includes a cleaning station 148 made up generally of a latch pawl 152, a spring 154, a squeegee 156, a printhead cap 158, a cap carrier 192, a second spring 162, and a cam track 164. Only a single cleaning station 148 is shown for descriptive purposes; however, multiple stations 148 may be disposed in the service station 34. Alternatively, a single cleaning station 148 may service multiple printheads 150 by, for example, successively positioning the printheads 150 relative to the cleaning station 148.
  • FIG. 9A represents a starting position of the cleaning system 146. As shown in FIG. 9B, the printhead 150 approaches the cleaning station 148 and engages the latch pawl 152. The latch pawl 152 is actuated as the printhead 150 passes over the latch pawl 152. The printhead 150 continues to move past the latch pawl 152 and engages the squeegee 156 (FIG. 9C). The printhead 150 passes over squeegee 156. As shown in FIG. 9D, the printhead 150 contacts the cap carrier 192, which is driven along the cam track 164 and compresses the spring 162. The printhead cap 158 is positioned against a printhead face 160 (FIGS. 9E and 9F). As shown in FIG. 9F, the printhead cap 158 seals against the printhead face 160 while the face 160 is rinsed with wash fluid (see FIG. 10).
  • After the printhead face 160 is cleaned, the printhead 150 begins to move out of the cleaning station 148 (FIG. 9G). The latch pawl 152 engages the cap carrier 192, halting its movement. As shown in FIG. 9H, the printhead 150 engages the squeegee 156, which wipes the printhead face 160. In an alternative embodiment, the squeegee 156 vibrates to further clean the printhead face 160. The printhead 150 continues its forward movement, actuating the latch pawl 152 (FIG. 9I), which, in turn, releases the cap carrier 192 (FIG. 9J). The cap carrier 192 snaps back to the start position. The system 146 is now ready to clean another printhead 150.
  • FIG. 10 depicts the action of FIG. 9F in greater detail. The printhead 150 is positioned with the printhead face 160 against the printhead cap 158, which in this embodiment is made of rubber. The cap includes a seal lip 172 for sealing about the printhead face 160. The cleaning station 148 is coupled to a wash fluid supply container 182 via a supply duct 184 and a wash fluid return container 186 via a return duct 188. The wash fluid return container 186 is in communication with a vacuum source 180, in this case a vacuum pump, via a vacuum duct 190. Additionally, a valve 178 is located in the return duct 188. The valve 178 may be manually or automatically actuated.
  • In operation, the vacuum source 180 creates a vacuum within a cavity 174 in the printhead cap 160. The vacuum pulls wash fluid from the supply container 182 through the supply duct 184. The wash fluid enters the cavity 174 as a spray 176 against the printhead face 160. The spray 176 washes debris, such as excess build material and dried binder, off the printhead face 160. The used wash fluid and debris are drawn out of the cavity 174 by the vacuum source 180 and into the return container 186 via the return duct 188. Additionally, the negative pressure created in the cavity 174 by the vacuum source 180 prevents the wash fluid from entering the jet nozzles and, in fact, may cause a small amount of binder to flow out of the nozzles to flush any powdered build material out of the nozzle. Blockages or obstructions in the jet nozzles can cause the jets to fire in the wrong direction. Once the operation is complete, the system 148 moves onto the step depicted in FIG. 9G.
  • FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment of a cleaning station, also referred to as a reconditioning station 406. The reconditioning station 406 is shown removed from the printing apparatus 10; however, the reconditioning station 406 can be included on the printbar assembly 18 or in the service station 34. The reconditioning station 406 includes a plurality of wiping elements 408 and a plurality of lubricators 410. The wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 are mounted on a plate 412 that can be actuated to travel, as indicated by arrow 401. The engaging surfaces 414 of the wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 are disposed upwards so that when the printhead 476 is in the reconditioning station 406, the wiping elements 408 and the lubricators 410 clean the printheads 476 from below (FIGS. 12A-12C). Also, in the illustrated embodiment, one wiper 408 and one lubricator 410 acting as a pair 416 are used to clean each printhead 476. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each wiper and lubricator pair 416 are offset from each other to correspond with the offset spacing of the printheads 476 (see, for example, printheads 48 in FIG. 8A). In other embodiments, however, any number of wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 can be used to clean the printheads 476, and the wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 can be spaced using any desirable geometry.
  • FIGS. 12A-12C depict one method of using the reconditioning station 106. The printhead(s) 476 is disposed above the reconditioning station 406 (FIG. 12A). The plate 412 on which the wiping elements 408 and lubricators 410 are mounted is then actuated into alignment with the printheads 476, and the printheads 476 are wiped and lubricated from beneath to remove any accumulated grit and to improve the flow of binding material out of the printheads 476. Specifically, the lubricator 410 applies a lubricant to the printhead face 477 to moisten any debris on the printhead face 477. Then, the printhead 476 is moved to pass the printhead face 477 over the wiping element 408 (e.g., a squeegee), which wipes the printhead face 477 clean. Alternatively, the printhead face 477 could be exposed to a vacuum source to remove any debris present thereon.
  • FIGS. 13A-13D depict an alternative embodiment of a reconditioning station 506 in accordance with the invention. The reconditioning station 506 may also be mounted in the service station 34. The reconditioning station 506 includes a reservoir 542 that holds a washing solution 543 and a pump 545 that delivers the washing solution 543 under pressure to at least one nozzle 540 and preferably an array of nozzles 540. The nozzles 540 are capable of producing a high velocity stream of washing solution 543. In operation, the nozzles 540 are directed to the printhead face 577 of the printhead 576. When directed onto the printhead face 577, the washing solution 543 loosens and removes contaminants, such as build material and binding material, from the printhead face 577. The orientation of the nozzles 540 may be angled with respect to the printhead face 577, such that a fluid flow is induced across a plane of the printhead face 577. For example, the washing solution can contact the printhead 576 at the side nearest the nozzles 540 and drain from the side of the printhead 576 furthest from the nozzles 540. This approach improves the efficacy of the stream of washing solution 543 by reducing the accumulation of washing solution on the printhead face 577, as well as the amount of washing solution 543 and debris that would otherwise drain near and interfere with the nozzles 540. A splash guard may also be included in the reconditioning station 506 to contain splashing resulting from the streams of liquid washing solution 543.
  • It is desirable to remove a large portion of the washing solution 543 that remains on the printhead face 577 after the operation of the nozzles 540 is complete. This is conventionally accomplished by drawing a wiping element 408 across the printhead face 477, as shown in FIG. 12C. A disadvantage of this approach is that contact between the wiping element 408 and the printhead face 477 may degrade the performance of the printhead 476 by, for example, damaging the edges of the inkjet nozzle orifices. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a means of removing accumulated washing solution from the printhead face 577, without contacting the delicate region around the inkjet nozzles. In one embodiment, a wicking member 544 may be disposed such that the printhead face 577 may pass one or more times over its upper surface 546 in close proximity, without contact, allowing capillary forces to draw accumulated washing solution 543 away from the printhead face 577. The wicking member 544 may be made from rigid, semi-rigid, or compliant materials, and can be of an absorbent or impermeable nature, or any combination thereof.
  • For the wicking member 544 to effectively remove accumulated washing solution 543 from the printhead face 577, the gap between the upper surface 546 of the wicking member 544 and the printhead face 577 must be small, a desirable range being between about 0 inches to about 0.03 inches. A further object of this invention is to provide a means for maintaining the gap in this range without resort to precise, rigid, and costly components.
  • In another embodiment, the wicking member 544 may consist of a compliant rubber sheet oriented approximately orthogonal to the direction of relative motion 547 between the wicking member 544, and the printhead 576 and with a portion of its upper edge 546 disposed so that it lightly contacts or interferes with the printhead face 577 only in non-critical areas away from the printhead nozzle orifices. The upper edge 546 of the wicking member 544 may include one or more notches 548 at locations where the wicking member 544 might otherwise contact delicate components of the printhead face 577. System dimensions are selected so that the wicking member 544 always contacts the printhead face 577, and is deflected as the printhead 576 passes over it, independent of expected variations in the relative positions of the printhead 576 and the reconditioning station 506. The upper edge 546 accordingly follows the position of the printhead face 577, maintaining by extension a substantially constant space between the printhead face 577 and the relieved surface notch 548. To further prolong the life of the printhead 576, a bending zone of the wicking object 544 can be of reduced cross-section to provide reliable bending behavior with little deformation of the upper edge 546 of the wicking member 544.
  • FIGS. 13B-13D illustrate a reconditioning cycle in accordance with the invention. FIG. 13B shows the printhead 576 approaching the reconditioning station 506 along the path 547. When the printhead 576 lightly contacts the wiping member 544, as shown in FIG. 13C, motion stops along the path 547 and the washing solution 534 is directed at the printhead face 577 by the nozzle array 540. When the spraying operation is complete, the printhead 576 continues to travel along the path 547, as shown in FIG. 13D. The wiping member 544 is further deflected to allow passage of the printhead 576, and the accumulated washing solution 543 is wicked away from the printhead face 577. After being sprayed and wiped, the printhead 576 may print a plurality of droplets to eject any washing solution that may have been ingested during the reconditioning process.
  • Additional cleaning methods are contemplated, such as wiping the printhead face with a cylindrical “paint roller” that cleans and moistens itself by rolling in a reservoir of wash fluid. In another embodiment, a cleaning system could include a continuous filament that carries wash fluid up to a printhead face and carries debris away to a sump. The system may include a small scraper that can be run over the filament to remove built up debris.
  • Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (22)

1-26. (canceled)
27. A method of fabricating a three-dimensional object comprising the steps of:
depositing successive layers of a build material on a rotary build table; and
depositing a liquid in a predetermined pattern on each successive layer of the build material to form the three-dimensional object.
28. The method of claim 27 further comprising the step of rotating the build table continuously.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of depositing successive layers of a build material on a rotary build table includes distributing the build material over at least a portion of the build table with a spreader.
30. The method of claim 27 further comprising the step of measuring an amount of excess build material deposited on the rotary build table.
31. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of adjusting the amount of build material deposited on the rotary build table based on the amount of excess build material measured.
32. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of depositing a liquid is performed by an array of at least one printhead.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the array is configured to dispense fluid at substantially any radial location of the rotary build table without adjustment.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the array prints an entire surface of the build table by continuous consecutive radial scanning motions.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein the array of printheads can be adjusted incrementally radially relative to the rotary build table.
36-42. (canceled)
43. An apparatus for cleaning a printhead used in a three-dimensional printer, the apparatus comprising:
a base;
a cam track disposed within the base;
a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track; and
a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier, the cap being transportable into engagement with a face of the printhead by the carrier.
44. The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising:
a cleaning fluid source in communication with the cap for cleaning the printhead face; and
a vacuum source in communication with the cap for removing used wash fluid and debris.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the vacuum source creates a negative pressure within the cavity, the negative pressure preventing the wash fluid from entering a jet nozzle and drawing at least one of a binder fluid and debris from the jet nozzle.
46. The apparatus of claim 43 further comprising a spring coupled to the carrier and the base to bias the carrier into a receiving position for receiving the printhead.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the carrier includes a stop disposed on a distal end of the carrier for engaging the printhead as the printhead enters the apparatus and the printhead slides the carrier rearward along the cam track after engaging the stop until the printhead face and cap sealably engage.
48. The apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a latch pawl coupled to the base for engaging with the carrier to prevent forward movement of the carrier.
49. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a squeegee disposed on a proximal end of the carrier, the squeegee positioned to engage the printhead face as the printhead exits the apparatus.
50. A method of cleaning a printhead used in a three-dimensional printer comprising the steps of:
receiving the printhead within an apparatus comprising:
a base;
a cam track disposed within the base;
a cap carrier slidably engaged with the cam track; and
a sealing cap defining a cavity and disposed on the carrier;
engaging a face of the printhead with the cap;
drawing a vacuum on the cavity; and
introducing a cleaning fluid into the cavity and into contact with the printhead face.
51. The method of claim 50 further comprising the step of removing the cleaning fluid from the cavity.
52. The method of claim 51 further comprising the steps of:
disengaging the cap from the printhead face; and
wiping the printhead face with a squeegee as the printhead is withdrawn from the apparatus.
53. The method of claim 50, wherein the vacuum source creates a negative pressure within the cavity, the negative pressure preventing the wash fluid from entering a jet nozzle and drawing at least one of a binder fluid and debris from the jet nozzle.
US11/860,087 2003-05-23 2007-09-24 Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing Abandoned US20080042321A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/860,087 US20080042321A1 (en) 2003-05-23 2007-09-24 Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US47292203P 2003-05-23 2003-05-23
US10/817,159 US7291002B2 (en) 2003-05-23 2004-04-02 Apparatus and methods for 3D printing
US11/860,087 US20080042321A1 (en) 2003-05-23 2007-09-24 Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/817,159 Continuation US7291002B2 (en) 2003-05-23 2004-04-02 Apparatus and methods for 3D printing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080042321A1 true US20080042321A1 (en) 2008-02-21

Family

ID=33490538

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/817,159 Active 2025-05-29 US7291002B2 (en) 2003-05-23 2004-04-02 Apparatus and methods for 3D printing
US11/860,087 Abandoned US20080042321A1 (en) 2003-05-23 2007-09-24 Apparatus and Methods for 3D Printing

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/817,159 Active 2025-05-29 US7291002B2 (en) 2003-05-23 2004-04-02 Apparatus and methods for 3D printing

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (2) US7291002B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1628831A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2007503342A (en)
WO (1) WO2004106041A2 (en)

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012106256A1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-09 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US20120288627A1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2012-11-15 Sri International Three-dimensional electromagnetic metamaterials and methods of manufacture
US8512024B2 (en) 2011-01-20 2013-08-20 Makerbot Industries, Llc Multi-extruder
WO2014039378A1 (en) 2012-09-05 2014-03-13 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
WO2014092651A1 (en) * 2012-12-16 2014-06-19 Blacksmith Group Pte. Ltd. A 3d printer with a controllable rotary surface and method for 3d printing with controllable rotary surface
US20140191439A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2014-07-10 New York University Continuous Feed 3D Manufacturing
US8778252B2 (en) 2012-01-20 2014-07-15 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Three-dimensional printing system using dual rotation axes
WO2014144512A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Rapid disperse dosage form containing levetiracetam
US8888480B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2014-11-18 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
WO2015017580A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2015-02-05 Simon Saba Systems and methods for three-dimensional printing
WO2015036559A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Till Gmbh Cleaning adapter and method for cleaning print heads
WO2015134882A3 (en) * 2014-03-07 2015-12-10 Polar 3D Llc Three dimensional printer
WO2016009426A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2016-01-21 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
DE102014011230A1 (en) * 2014-07-25 2016-01-28 Technische Universität Dortmund Device for three-dimensional additive printing operations, in particular for large-volume components, in particular according to the method of fused deposition molding (FDM)
WO2016143942A1 (en) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Lg Electronics Inc. Printing apparatus for building three-dimensional object
US20160354840A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-08 The Regents Of The University Of California Selective laser sintering using functional inclusions dispersed in the matrix material being created
US9527244B2 (en) 2014-02-10 2016-12-27 Global Filtration Systems Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
WO2017009831A1 (en) * 2015-07-13 2017-01-19 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for 3d printing
US20170057167A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2017-03-02 University Of South Carolina Integrated robotic 3d printing system for printing of fiber reinforced parts
WO2017034951A1 (en) 2015-08-21 2017-03-02 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US9650537B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2017-05-16 Ut-Battelle, Llc Reactive polymer fused deposition manufacturing
WO2017223309A1 (en) 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Mastix, Llc Oral compositions delivering therapeutically effective amounts of cannabinoids
US20180085995A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2018-03-29 New York University 3d manufacturing using multiple material deposition and/or fusion sources simultaneously with single or multi-flute helical build surfaces
WO2018074988A1 (en) * 2016-10-17 2018-04-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp Detection of build material in a 3d printing system
US10064726B1 (en) 2017-04-18 2018-09-04 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing of mesh implants for bone delivery
US10124531B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2018-11-13 Ut-Battelle, Llc Rapid non-contact energy transfer for additive manufacturing driven high intensity electromagnetic fields
JP2018176708A (en) * 2017-04-21 2018-11-15 三緯國際立體列印科技股▲ふん▼有限公司XYZprinting, Inc. Injection head cleaning module
WO2019005042A1 (en) * 2017-06-28 2019-01-03 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Build material dispenser refill control for additive manufacturing
US10245822B2 (en) 2015-12-11 2019-04-02 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for concurrently making multiple three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
WO2019094267A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-16 General Electric Company Powder refill system for an additive manufacturing machine
WO2019190516A1 (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-03 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Determining excess build material
US10442175B2 (en) 2015-04-28 2019-10-15 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing devices and methods
EP3670149A1 (en) * 2018-12-21 2020-06-24 General Electric Company Multi-material additive manufacturing apparatus and method
US10807194B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2020-10-20 Safran Aircraft Engines Device for fabricating annular pieces by selectively melting powder, the device including a powder wiper
US20210053122A1 (en) * 2019-08-23 2021-02-25 Indium Corporation Thermally decomposing build plate for facile release of 3d printed objects
US11084205B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2021-08-10 Stratasys Ltd. Operation of printing nozzles in additive manufacture and apparatus for cleaning printing nozzles
US11117362B2 (en) 2017-03-29 2021-09-14 Tighitco, Inc. 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced part
US11345082B2 (en) * 2019-09-23 2022-05-31 The Boeing Company Methods for additively manufacturing an object from a powder material
US11407180B2 (en) 2018-05-04 2022-08-09 Desktop Metal, Inc. Support edifice for three-dimensional printing
US11524338B2 (en) 2018-06-26 2022-12-13 Ihi Corporation Three-dimensional modeling device
WO2022271453A1 (en) * 2021-06-24 2022-12-29 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation High energy 3-d printer employing continuous print path
US11657507B2 (en) * 2017-05-23 2023-05-23 Zhuhai Sailner 3D Technology Co., Ltd. Image data processing method and printing system for printing technology
US11660196B2 (en) 2017-04-21 2023-05-30 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3-D printing of bone grafts
US11697244B2 (en) 2020-08-28 2023-07-11 University Of South Carolina In-line polymerization for customizable composite fiber manufacture in additive manufacturing
WO2023144048A1 (en) * 2022-01-27 2023-08-03 Exone Gmbh Printhead cleaning device for a 3d printer, 3d printer, use of the printhead cleaning device for a 3d printer, method for cleaning a printhead of a 3d printer, method for cleaning a wiper element of a printhead cleaning device of a 3d printer, and method for conserving a printhead of a 3d printer
WO2023158666A1 (en) * 2022-02-21 2023-08-24 Desktop Metal, Inc. Binder jetting print carriage

Families Citing this family (215)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2003900180A0 (en) * 2003-01-16 2003-01-30 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Method and apparatus (dam001)
DE10310385B4 (en) * 2003-03-07 2006-09-21 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method for the production of three-dimensional bodies by means of powder-based layer-building methods
GB0312909D0 (en) * 2003-06-05 2003-07-09 Univ Liverpool Apparatus for manufacturing three dimensional items
FR2865960B1 (en) * 2004-02-06 2006-05-05 Nicolas Marsac METHOD AND MACHINE FOR MAKING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS BY DEPOSITING SUCCESSIVE LAYERS
WO2006121797A2 (en) * 2005-05-06 2006-11-16 The Ex One Company Solid free-form fabrication apparatuses and methods
ITTV20050106A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-01-19 Luca Toncelli PROCEDURE AND PLANT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF MANUFACTURED ARTICLES IN SLABS OR BLOCKS OF CONGLOMERATE OF STONE OR LITOID MATERIAL.
US7467939B2 (en) * 2006-05-03 2008-12-23 3D Systems, Inc. Material delivery tension and tracking system for use in solid imaging
JP5243413B2 (en) * 2006-05-26 2013-07-24 スリーディー システムズ インコーポレーテッド Apparatus and method for processing materials with a three-dimensional printer
JP4857056B2 (en) * 2006-09-12 2012-01-18 株式会社アスペクト Powder sintering additive manufacturing apparatus and powder sintering additive manufacturing method
US20080226346A1 (en) * 2007-01-17 2008-09-18 3D Systems, Inc. Inkjet Solid Imaging System and Method for Solid Imaging
US8105066B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2012-01-31 3D Systems, Inc. Cartridge for solid imaging apparatus and method
US8221671B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2012-07-17 3D Systems, Inc. Imager and method for consistent repeatable alignment in a solid imaging apparatus
US8003039B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2011-08-23 3D Systems, Inc. Method for tilting solid image build platform for reducing air entrainment and for build release
US7731887B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2010-06-08 3D Systems, Inc. Method for removing excess uncured build material in solid imaging
US7706910B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2010-04-27 3D Systems, Inc. Imager assembly and method for solid imaging
US7614866B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2009-11-10 3D Systems, Inc. Solid imaging apparatus and method
US20080170112A1 (en) * 2007-01-17 2008-07-17 Hull Charles W Build pad, solid image build, and method for building build supports
US7771183B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2010-08-10 3D Systems, Inc. Solid imaging system with removal of excess uncured build material
DE112008000475T5 (en) * 2007-02-23 2010-07-08 The Ex One Company Replaceable manufacturing container for three-dimensional printer
ITMI20071260A1 (en) * 2007-06-22 2008-12-23 Magari S R L PROCESS OF PRODUCTION OF FORMS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FOOTWEAR
US10226919B2 (en) 2007-07-18 2019-03-12 Voxeljet Ag Articles and structures prepared by three-dimensional printing method
US20100279007A1 (en) * 2007-08-14 2010-11-04 The Penn State Research Foundation 3-D Printing of near net shape products
DE102007050953A1 (en) 2007-10-23 2009-04-30 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Device for the layered construction of models
US9788603B2 (en) * 2007-10-23 2017-10-17 Nike, Inc. Articles and methods of manufacture of articles
US9572402B2 (en) * 2007-10-23 2017-02-21 Nike, Inc. Articles and methods of manufacturing articles
US9795181B2 (en) 2007-10-23 2017-10-24 Nike, Inc. Articles and methods of manufacture of articles
EP2231352B1 (en) 2008-01-03 2013-10-16 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects
DE102008019330B4 (en) 2008-04-16 2023-01-26 Voxeljet Ag Process and device for the layered construction of models
JP5033117B2 (en) * 2008-12-25 2012-09-26 長野日本無線株式会社 3D modeling machine
US9399321B2 (en) 2009-07-15 2016-07-26 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects
DE102009046440A1 (en) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-12 Technische Universität München Device for generative production of component, comprises support plate and rotating material supply unit which is mounted on support plate, where material supply unit produces layer of base material
US20110129640A1 (en) * 2009-11-30 2011-06-02 George Halsey Beall Method and binder for porous articles
DE102010006939A1 (en) 2010-02-04 2011-08-04 Voxeljet Technology GmbH, 86167 Device for producing three-dimensional models
DE102010008295A1 (en) * 2010-02-17 2011-08-18 Dieffenbacher System Automation GmbH, 75031 Apparatus and method for printing surfaces of material boards, in particular wood panels, with a multi-colored image
DE102010014969A1 (en) 2010-04-14 2011-10-20 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Device for producing three-dimensional models
DE102010015451A1 (en) 2010-04-17 2011-10-20 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Method and device for producing three-dimensional objects
US9156204B2 (en) 2010-05-17 2015-10-13 Synerdyne Corporation Hybrid scanner fabricator
US8905742B2 (en) * 2010-09-17 2014-12-09 Synerdyne Corporation Compact rotary platen 3D printer
DE102010041284A1 (en) * 2010-09-23 2012-03-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for selective laser sintering and equipment suitable for this method for selective laser sintering
JP2012131094A (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-07-12 Sony Corp Three-dimensional molding device, three-dimensional molding method, and mold
DE102011007957A1 (en) 2011-01-05 2012-07-05 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Device and method for constructing a layer body with at least one body limiting the construction field and adjustable in terms of its position
DE102011111498A1 (en) 2011-08-31 2013-02-28 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Device for the layered construction of models
JP5438738B2 (en) * 2011-09-28 2014-03-12 富士フイルム株式会社 Inkjet recording device
WO2013098135A1 (en) 2011-12-28 2013-07-04 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for manufacturing porous three-dimensional articles
EP2797730B2 (en) 2011-12-28 2020-03-04 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for detecting defects in freeform fabrication
US8627876B2 (en) 2012-02-29 2014-01-14 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Molding tool with conformal portions and method of making the same
US8567477B2 (en) 2012-02-29 2013-10-29 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Mold core for forming a molding tool
DE102012004213A1 (en) 2012-03-06 2013-09-12 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Method and device for producing three-dimensional models
US20130287933A1 (en) * 2012-04-25 2013-10-31 Pierre J. Kaiser Three-dimensional (3d) printing
DE102012010272A1 (en) 2012-05-25 2013-11-28 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Method for producing three-dimensional models with special construction platforms and drive systems
EP2671706A1 (en) * 2012-06-04 2013-12-11 Ivoclar Vivadent AG Method for creating an object
US9669584B2 (en) * 2012-06-08 2017-06-06 Solidscape, Inc. Imaging monitoring method and apparatus for fabricating three dimensional models
DE102012012363A1 (en) 2012-06-22 2013-12-24 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Apparatus for building up a layer body with a storage or filling container movable along the discharge container
WO2014014977A2 (en) * 2012-07-18 2014-01-23 Tow Adam P Systems and methods for manufacturing of multi-property anatomically customized devices
CN104718047A (en) * 2012-07-27 2015-06-17 特拉华空气喷射火箭达因公司 Solid axisymmetric powder bed for selective laser melting
CN103660605A (en) * 2012-09-19 2014-03-26 冯黎 Multi-printing-head 3D (3-dimensional) printing system based on layer working network
US9034237B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-05-19 3D Systems, Inc. Solid imaging systems, components thereof, and methods of solid imaging
WO2014055614A1 (en) 2012-10-04 2014-04-10 Townsend Industries, Inc. D/B/A/ Townsend Design Method of preparing an image for use in production of a knee brace and a tibial contour gauge and an image alignment guide for use in said method
DE102012020000A1 (en) 2012-10-12 2014-04-17 Voxeljet Ag 3D multi-stage process
DE102013004940A1 (en) 2012-10-15 2014-04-17 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing three-dimensional models with tempered printhead
US10987868B2 (en) * 2012-10-31 2021-04-27 Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno Production line for making tangible products by layerwise manufacturing
EP2727709A1 (en) * 2012-10-31 2014-05-07 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast -natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO Method and apparatus for making tangible products by layerwise manufacturing
EP2916980B1 (en) 2012-11-06 2016-06-01 Arcam Ab Powder pre-processing for additive manufacturing
DE102012022859A1 (en) 2012-11-25 2014-05-28 Voxeljet Ag Construction of a 3D printing device for the production of components
DE112013006029T5 (en) 2012-12-17 2015-09-17 Arcam Ab Method and device for additive manufacturing
WO2014095200A1 (en) 2012-12-17 2014-06-26 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing method and apparatus
US8944802B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2015-02-03 Radiant Fabrication, Inc. Fixed printhead fused filament fabrication printer and method
DE102013003303A1 (en) 2013-02-28 2014-08-28 FluidSolids AG Process for producing a molded part with a water-soluble casting mold and material system for its production
US10150247B2 (en) * 2013-03-12 2018-12-11 Orange Maker LLC 3D printing using spiral buildup and high viscosity build materials
US9320316B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-26 Under Armour, Inc. 3D zonal compression shoe
US9364995B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-06-14 Matterrise, Inc. Three-dimensional printing and scanning system and method
CN103158259A (en) * 2013-03-27 2013-06-19 陈明辉 Multi-printing-head third-dimensional (3D) printer technology of rotary platform
US9550207B2 (en) 2013-04-18 2017-01-24 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing
US9676031B2 (en) 2013-04-23 2017-06-13 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article
US9415443B2 (en) 2013-05-23 2016-08-16 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing
DE102013210242A1 (en) * 2013-06-03 2014-12-04 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Plant for selective laser melting with rotating relative movement between powder bed and powder distributor
US9468973B2 (en) 2013-06-28 2016-10-18 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing
CN103332017B (en) * 2013-07-01 2015-08-26 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Three-dimensional printer and Method of printing thereof
US9505057B2 (en) 2013-09-06 2016-11-29 Arcam Ab Powder distribution in additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US9676032B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2017-06-13 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
US9908291B2 (en) * 2013-09-30 2018-03-06 Adobe Systems Incorporated Smooth 3D printing using multi-stage filaments
DE102013018182A1 (en) 2013-10-30 2015-04-30 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing three-dimensional models with binder system
KR101525508B1 (en) * 2013-11-15 2015-06-03 주식회사 우존 Apparatus for printing electrolyte and Method thereof
EP2878409B2 (en) 2013-11-27 2022-12-21 SLM Solutions Group AG Method of and device for controlling an irradiation system
US10434572B2 (en) 2013-12-19 2019-10-08 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
DE102013018031A1 (en) 2013-12-02 2015-06-03 Voxeljet Ag Swap body with movable side wall
DE102013020491A1 (en) 2013-12-11 2015-06-11 Voxeljet Ag 3D infiltration process
US9802253B2 (en) 2013-12-16 2017-10-31 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US10130993B2 (en) 2013-12-18 2018-11-20 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US9789563B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2017-10-17 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
EP2886307A1 (en) 2013-12-20 2015-06-24 Voxeljet AG Device, special paper and method for the production of moulded components
DE102013021891A1 (en) * 2013-12-23 2015-06-25 Voxeljet Ag Apparatus and method with accelerated process control for 3D printing processes
CN104760424B (en) * 2014-01-03 2017-01-18 北京理工大学 Multifunctional assembled 3D printing device and multifunctional assembled 3D printing method
US9789541B2 (en) 2014-03-07 2017-10-17 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US20150273586A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 Baker Hughes Incorporated Additive Manufacturing Process for Tubular with Embedded Electrical Conductors
DE102014004692A1 (en) 2014-03-31 2015-10-15 Voxeljet Ag Method and apparatus for 3D printing with conditioned process control
KR101546305B1 (en) * 2014-04-01 2015-08-21 고상태 Three dimensional printer
US20150283613A1 (en) 2014-04-02 2015-10-08 Arcam Ab Method for fusing a workpiece
US10379140B2 (en) 2014-04-04 2019-08-13 Feinmetall Gmbh Contact-distance transformer, electrical testing device, and method for producing a contact-distance transformer
KR101628161B1 (en) * 2014-04-18 2016-07-28 쓰리디토시스 주식회사 3d printing system using block type structure automatic supplied by guide tube and the method for 3d printing
GB2525400A (en) * 2014-04-22 2015-10-28 Senake Atureliya Products and the apparatus for their manufacture and transportation
US9964944B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2018-05-08 Hurco Companies, Inc. Material processing unit controlled by rotation
KR101581746B1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2015-12-31 (주)이에이스 3D printer that is able to move 2-axis linear and rotary direction
DE102014007584A1 (en) 2014-05-26 2015-11-26 Voxeljet Ag 3D reverse printing method and apparatus
GB2541818A (en) 2014-06-19 2017-03-01 Halliburton Energy Services Inc Forming facsimile formation core samples using three-dimensional printing
US20160023471A1 (en) * 2014-07-24 2016-01-28 James M. Jeter Digital printing system for cylindrical containers
US10946556B2 (en) 2014-08-02 2021-03-16 Voxeljet Ag Method and casting mold, in particular for use in cold casting methods
US9341467B2 (en) 2014-08-20 2016-05-17 Arcam Ab Energy beam position verification
BR112017005885B1 (en) 2014-10-02 2020-08-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND POWDER MATERIAL, ADDITIONAL MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT, METHOD FOR SUPPLYING POWDER MATERIAL FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT
US9751259B2 (en) * 2014-10-07 2017-09-05 Xerox Corporation System and method for operating a three-dimensional printer to compensate for radial velocity variations
US9724878B2 (en) 2014-10-20 2017-08-08 Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Three-dimensional printer having an expandable envelope
DE102014224176A1 (en) * 2014-11-26 2016-06-02 Weeke Bohrsysteme Gmbh Device for the formation of solids
US20160167303A1 (en) 2014-12-15 2016-06-16 Arcam Ab Slicing method
DE102015006533A1 (en) 2014-12-22 2016-06-23 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing 3D molded parts with layer construction technique
US9341867B1 (en) 2015-01-16 2016-05-17 James Chang Ho Kim Methods of designing and fabricating custom-fit eyeglasses using a 3D printer
US9721755B2 (en) 2015-01-21 2017-08-01 Arcam Ab Method and device for characterizing an electron beam
CN104552961B (en) * 2015-02-05 2016-11-16 广州元禄信息科技有限公司 A kind of annular 3D printer
DE102015003372A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-09-22 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing 3D molded parts with double recoater
US11014161B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2021-05-25 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
JP6571380B2 (en) * 2015-05-07 2019-09-04 ローランドディー.ジー.株式会社 3D modeling equipment
JP6574603B2 (en) * 2015-05-07 2019-09-11 ローランドディー.ジー.株式会社 3D modeling equipment
US10010134B2 (en) 2015-05-08 2018-07-03 Under Armour, Inc. Footwear with lattice midsole and compression insert
US10039343B2 (en) 2015-05-08 2018-08-07 Under Armour, Inc. Footwear including sole assembly
US10010133B2 (en) 2015-05-08 2018-07-03 Under Armour, Inc. Midsole lattice with hollow tubes for footwear
CA2985521C (en) 2015-05-11 2023-05-23 DP Polar GmbH Device and method for applying flowable material to a substratum that can be rotated about an axis of rotation
DE102015006363A1 (en) 2015-05-20 2016-12-15 Voxeljet Ag Phenolic resin method
US10245783B2 (en) 2015-05-21 2019-04-02 Kenneth Fuller Printer for three dimensional printing
CN104972123A (en) * 2015-05-22 2015-10-14 上海悦瑞电子科技有限公司 3D printing method for molecular structure model and 3D printer
JP6807375B2 (en) * 2015-07-13 2021-01-06 ストラタシス リミテッド Leveling device for 3D printers
US10582619B2 (en) 2015-08-24 2020-03-03 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Apparatus for wire handling and embedding on and within 3D printed parts
US10328525B2 (en) * 2015-08-25 2019-06-25 General Electric Company Coater apparatus and method for additive manufacturing
DE102015011503A1 (en) 2015-09-09 2017-03-09 Voxeljet Ag Method for applying fluids
DE102015011790A1 (en) 2015-09-16 2017-03-16 Voxeljet Ag Device and method for producing three-dimensional molded parts
US10807187B2 (en) 2015-09-24 2020-10-20 Arcam Ab X-ray calibration standard object
US11571748B2 (en) 2015-10-15 2023-02-07 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional article
US10525531B2 (en) 2015-11-17 2020-01-07 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US10610930B2 (en) 2015-11-18 2020-04-07 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
DE102015015353A1 (en) * 2015-12-01 2017-06-01 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing three-dimensional components by means of an excess quantity sensor
DE102015017175B4 (en) 2015-12-21 2018-10-11 Cl Schutzrechtsverwaltungs Gmbh Device for producing three-dimensional objects
DE102015122460A1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-22 Cl Schutzrechtsverwaltungs Gmbh Device for producing three-dimensional objects
DE102015017180B4 (en) 2015-12-21 2018-10-11 Cl Schutzrechtsverwaltungs Gmbh Device for producing three-dimensional objects
US10150239B2 (en) * 2015-12-29 2018-12-11 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Extruder for three-dimensional additive printer
US10150249B2 (en) * 2015-12-29 2018-12-11 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Dual head extruder for three-dimensional additive printer
US10384435B2 (en) 2016-01-04 2019-08-20 Caterpillar Inc. 3D printing
US10343387B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2019-07-09 International Business Machines Corporation Multi-drone based three-dimensional printing
TWI585558B (en) * 2016-02-05 2017-06-01 映美科技有限公司 Three dimensional printing method
DE102016203582A1 (en) 2016-03-04 2017-09-07 Airbus Operations Gmbh Additive manufacturing system and process for additive manufacturing of components
US11247274B2 (en) 2016-03-11 2022-02-15 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article
WO2017183948A1 (en) * 2016-04-22 2017-10-26 주식회사 잉크테크 System and method for inkjet laminated printing capable of exhibiting 3d effect
US10029453B2 (en) 2016-04-25 2018-07-24 Baldwin Americas Corporation Modular digital inking system
WO2017188371A1 (en) * 2016-04-27 2017-11-02 株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング Molding device and molding method
US10691095B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2020-06-23 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System In-situ diagnostics and control method and system for material extrusion 3D printing
WO2017194155A1 (en) 2016-05-12 2017-11-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P. Outlet structure
US10549348B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2020-02-04 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
US11325191B2 (en) 2016-05-24 2022-05-10 Arcam Ab Method for additive manufacturing
US10525547B2 (en) 2016-06-01 2020-01-07 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
JP6751595B2 (en) 2016-06-02 2020-09-09 株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング Modeling equipment and modeling method
WO2018013829A1 (en) * 2016-07-13 2018-01-18 Xiaoyu Zheng 3d printing systems and methods thereof
US10178868B2 (en) * 2016-07-21 2019-01-15 BeeHex, LLC 3D-print system with integrated CNC robot and automatic self-cleaning mechanism
WO2018022093A1 (en) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Build material layer quality level determination
KR102206145B1 (en) 2016-08-31 2021-01-21 휴렛-팩커드 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 엘.피. 3D printing technique
US10792757B2 (en) 2016-10-25 2020-10-06 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing
DE102016013319A1 (en) 2016-11-10 2018-05-17 DP Polar GmbH Apparatus and method for applying flowable material to a rotatable about a rotation axis pad
DE102016013317B4 (en) 2016-11-10 2022-06-09 DP Polar GmbH Process for producing a three-dimensional shaped article and apparatus for carrying out the process
DE102016013610A1 (en) 2016-11-15 2018-05-17 Voxeljet Ag Intra-head printhead maintenance station for powder bed-based 3D printing
TW201819157A (en) * 2016-11-22 2018-06-01 三緯國際立體列印科技股份有限公司 Method for printing colored object of 3D printer
EP3554836B1 (en) * 2016-12-13 2021-01-27 Stratasys, Inc. Rotary silo additive manufacturing system
US10987752B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2021-04-27 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US20180185963A1 (en) * 2017-01-03 2018-07-05 General Electric Company Systems and methods for interchangable additive manufacturing systems
TWI711487B (en) * 2017-04-21 2020-12-01 三緯國際立體列印科技股份有限公司 Cleaning module of painting pen
US11007713B2 (en) * 2017-04-26 2021-05-18 GM Global Technology Operations LLC High throughput additive manufacturing system
US11059123B2 (en) 2017-04-28 2021-07-13 Arcam Ab Additive manufacturing of three-dimensional articles
US11292062B2 (en) 2017-05-30 2022-04-05 Arcam Ab Method and device for producing three-dimensional objects
US10821514B2 (en) 2017-05-31 2020-11-03 General Electric Company Apparatus and method for continuous additive manufacturing
US10779614B2 (en) 2017-06-21 2020-09-22 Under Armour, Inc. Cushioning for a sole structure of performance footwear
DE102017006860A1 (en) 2017-07-21 2019-01-24 Voxeljet Ag Method and device for producing 3D molded parts with spectrum converter
DE102017213087A1 (en) * 2017-07-28 2019-01-31 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Plant for the powder bed-based additive production of a workpiece with a plurality of metering devices for different types of powder and method for their operation
WO2019027429A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-02-07 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Different mixtures of build materials deliverable during a three dimensional print operation
US11325308B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2022-05-10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Moving powder in a 3D printing system
CN107672156B (en) * 2017-09-08 2019-05-17 浙江大学 A kind of stagewise annular of 3 D-printing scans device
US20190099809A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-04 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing
US10529070B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2020-01-07 Arcam Ab Method and apparatus for detecting electron beam source filament wear
US11072117B2 (en) 2017-11-27 2021-07-27 Arcam Ab Platform device
US10821721B2 (en) 2017-11-27 2020-11-03 Arcam Ab Method for analysing a build layer
CN107839228A (en) * 2017-12-07 2018-03-27 窦鹤鸿 A kind of powdering system and 3D printer
US11517975B2 (en) 2017-12-22 2022-12-06 Arcam Ab Enhanced electron beam generation
US20190197469A1 (en) * 2017-12-26 2019-06-27 Walmart Apollo, Llc Seal Printing System
US11584057B2 (en) * 2018-01-03 2023-02-21 General Electric Company Systems and methods for additive manufacturing
US11086296B2 (en) 2018-01-04 2021-08-10 Hurco Companies, Inc. Additive manufacturing tool
US10800101B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2020-10-13 Arcam Ab Compact build tank for an additive manufacturing apparatus
US11267051B2 (en) 2018-02-27 2022-03-08 Arcam Ab Build tank for an additive manufacturing apparatus
US11400519B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2022-08-02 Arcam Ab Method and device for distributing powder material
WO2019200042A1 (en) 2018-04-11 2019-10-17 Trustees Of Boston University Engineered platform to generate 3d cardiac tissues
US11273601B2 (en) * 2018-04-16 2022-03-15 Panam 3D Llc System and method for rotational 3D printing
US11273496B2 (en) 2018-04-16 2022-03-15 Panam 3D Llc System and method for rotational 3D printing
CN111655460A (en) * 2018-04-20 2020-09-11 惠普发展公司,有限责任合伙企业 Three-dimensional part printability and cost analysis
DE102018212019A1 (en) * 2018-07-19 2020-01-23 MTU Aero Engines AG Process for applying a material
CN108621414A (en) * 2018-07-24 2018-10-09 罗飞 A kind of split type three dimension color printing machine
US20200038952A1 (en) * 2018-08-02 2020-02-06 American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. System And Method For Additive Manufacturing
CN109779260B (en) * 2018-10-22 2023-12-05 北京美斯顿科技开发有限公司 Intelligent 3D building printer of robot
DE102019000796A1 (en) 2019-02-05 2020-08-06 Voxeljet Ag Exchangeable process unit
DE102019002808A1 (en) * 2019-04-17 2020-10-22 Hans Mathea Method for producing at least one solid layer on a base rotatable about an axis of rotation
DE102019002809A1 (en) * 2019-04-17 2020-10-22 Hans Mathea Method for producing at least one solid-state layer in accordance with predetermined geometric data
WO2020222796A1 (en) 2019-04-30 2020-11-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Build material spreading apparatuses for additive manufacturing
DE102019207185A1 (en) * 2019-05-16 2020-11-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Printing device and method for printing an object
DE202019102983U1 (en) * 2019-05-27 2019-07-04 Exone Gmbh Print head cleaning device for a 3D printer and 3D printer with a print head cleaning device
US11247393B2 (en) 2019-05-30 2022-02-15 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing systems and methods including rotating binder jet print head
DE102019007595A1 (en) 2019-11-01 2021-05-06 Voxeljet Ag 3D PRINTING PROCESS AND MOLDED PART MANUFACTURED WITH LIGNINE SULPHATE
JP7402105B2 (en) 2020-03-31 2023-12-20 本田技研工業株式会社 3D modeling device and method
EP3944951A1 (en) * 2020-07-30 2022-02-02 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing systems and methods including rotating binder jet print head
US11618216B2 (en) 2020-08-31 2023-04-04 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing systems and methods including rotating binder jet print head
US11731350B2 (en) * 2020-11-05 2023-08-22 BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC Photon propagation modified additive manufacturing compositions and methods of additive manufacturing using same
EP4326534A1 (en) * 2021-04-21 2024-02-28 Tritone Technologies Ltd. Maintenance and cleaning in an additive manufacturing machine
EP4230384A1 (en) * 2022-02-22 2023-08-23 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Three-dimensional fabricating apparatus, three-dimensional fabricating method, and three-dimensional fabricating system
CN115026241B (en) * 2022-06-14 2023-05-26 南京航空航天大学 Efficient additive manufacturing method and device for stepless adjustment of special-shaped revolving body sand mold

Citations (92)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4247508A (en) * 1979-12-03 1981-01-27 Hico Western Products Co. Molding process
US4250513A (en) * 1979-09-19 1981-02-10 General Electric Company Linear vertical adjustment mechanism
US4734718A (en) * 1985-02-13 1988-03-29 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet printer nozzle clog preventive apparatus
US4752352A (en) * 1986-06-06 1988-06-21 Michael Feygin Apparatus and method for forming an integral object from laminations
US4929402A (en) * 1984-08-08 1990-05-29 3D Systems, Inc. Method for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US4938816A (en) * 1986-10-17 1990-07-03 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Selective laser sintering with assisted powder handling
US4944817A (en) * 1986-10-17 1990-07-31 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US4996010A (en) * 1988-04-18 1991-02-26 3D Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5014075A (en) * 1987-09-18 1991-05-07 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Multibeam recorder using mirror reflected parallel scan lines
US5017753A (en) * 1986-10-17 1991-05-21 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering
US5027134A (en) * 1989-09-01 1991-06-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Non-clogging cap and service station for ink-jet printheads
US5103244A (en) * 1990-07-05 1992-04-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for cleaning ink-jet printheads
US5115250A (en) * 1990-01-12 1992-05-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for ink-jet printhead
US5132143A (en) * 1986-10-17 1992-07-21 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method for producing parts
US5134569A (en) * 1989-06-26 1992-07-28 Masters William E System and method for computer automated manufacturing using fluent material
US5184307A (en) * 1988-04-18 1993-02-02 3D Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for production of high resolution three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5204055A (en) * 1989-12-08 1993-04-20 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Three-dimensional printing techniques
US5216449A (en) * 1991-07-29 1993-06-01 Hewlett-Packard Company Rounded capillary vent system for ink-jet printers
US5283173A (en) * 1990-01-24 1994-02-01 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York System to detect protein-protein interactions
US5296062A (en) * 1986-10-17 1994-03-22 The Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US5301863A (en) * 1992-11-04 1994-04-12 Prinz Fritz B Automated system for forming objects by incremental buildup of layers
US5387380A (en) * 1989-12-08 1995-02-07 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Three-dimensional printing techniques
US5393613A (en) * 1991-12-24 1995-02-28 Microelectronics And Computer Technology Corporation Composition for three-dimensional metal fabrication using a laser
US5430666A (en) * 1992-12-18 1995-07-04 Dtm Corporation Automated method and apparatus for calibration of laser scanning in a selective laser sintering apparatus
US5433280A (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-07-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Fabrication method for rotary bits and bit components and bits and components produced thereby
US5490882A (en) * 1992-11-30 1996-02-13 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Process for removing loose powder particles from interior passages of a body
US5501824A (en) * 1988-04-18 1996-03-26 3D Systems, Inc. Thermal stereolithography
US5527877A (en) * 1992-11-23 1996-06-18 Dtm Corporation Sinterable semi-crystalline powder and near-fully dense article formed therewith
US5534896A (en) * 1993-07-19 1996-07-09 Hewlett-Packard Company Tubeless ink-jet printer priming cap system and method
US5600350A (en) * 1993-04-30 1997-02-04 Hewlett-Packard Company Multiple inkjet print cartridge alignment by scanning a reference pattern and sampling same with reference to a position encoder
US5616100A (en) * 1994-12-27 1997-04-01 Nissan Motor Co, Inc. Lockup control system for torque converter
US5616099A (en) * 1994-11-14 1997-04-01 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Lock-up control system for torque converter
US5630981A (en) * 1984-08-08 1997-05-20 3D Systems, Inc. Method for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5637175A (en) * 1988-10-05 1997-06-10 Helisys Corporation Apparatus for forming an integral object from laminations
US5640667A (en) * 1995-11-27 1997-06-17 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Laser-directed fabrication of full-density metal articles using hot isostatic processing
US5648450A (en) * 1992-11-23 1997-07-15 Dtm Corporation Sinterable semi-crystalline powder and near-fully dense article formed therein
US5712668A (en) * 1994-03-25 1998-01-27 Hewlett-Packard Company Rotary Multi-ridge capping system for inkjet printheads
US5733497A (en) * 1995-03-31 1998-03-31 Dtm Corporation Selective laser sintering with composite plastic material
US5738817A (en) * 1996-02-08 1998-04-14 Rutgers, The State University Solid freeform fabrication methods
US5745133A (en) * 1995-10-31 1998-04-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Dual pivoting wiper system for inkjet printheads
US5749041A (en) * 1995-10-13 1998-05-05 Dtm Corporation Method of forming three-dimensional articles using thermosetting materials
US5753274A (en) * 1995-03-30 1998-05-19 Eos Gmbh Electronics Optical Systems Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object
US5753171A (en) * 1994-05-13 1998-05-19 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object
US5757395A (en) * 1995-09-25 1998-05-26 Hewlett-Packard Company Color capable single-cartridge inkjet service station
US5776409A (en) * 1988-04-18 1998-07-07 3D Systems, Inc. Thermal stereolithograp using slice techniques
US5867550A (en) * 1992-12-02 1999-02-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Process for the production of a screen plate for a fuel assembly foot and corresponding fuel assembly
US5889765A (en) * 1996-02-12 1999-03-30 Northern Telecom Limited Bi-directional communications network
US5902441A (en) * 1996-09-04 1999-05-11 Z Corporation Method of three dimensional printing
US5923347A (en) * 1997-01-24 1999-07-13 Xerox Corporation Method and system for cleaning an ink jet printhead
US6027209A (en) * 1997-09-03 2000-02-22 Hewlett-Packard Company Ordered storage and/or removal of inkjet cartridges and capping means from a storage container
US6084980A (en) * 1997-05-13 2000-07-04 3D Systems, Inc. Method of and apparatus for deriving data intermediate to cross-sectional data descriptive of a three-dimensional object
US6196652B1 (en) * 1998-03-04 2001-03-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Scanning an inkjet test pattern for different calibration adjustments
US6220689B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2001-04-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Unitary capping system for multiple inkjet printheads
US20010000434A1 (en) * 1999-09-24 2001-04-26 Medin Todd R. Contoured cross-sectional wiper for cleaning inkjet printheads
US6234602B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2001-05-22 Hewlett-Packard Company Automated ink-jet printhead alignment system
US6241337B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-06-05 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer
US6250736B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-06-26 Eastman Kodak Company Continuous ink jet print head with fixed position ink gutter compatible with hydrodynamic and wipe cleaning
US6257143B1 (en) * 1998-07-21 2001-07-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Adjustment method of dot printing positions and a printing apparatus
US20020012202A1 (en) * 1992-11-12 2002-01-31 Seagate Technology, Inc. One-piece flexure for small magnetic heads
US6345223B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2002-02-05 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Lock-up control device for vehicle
US6347858B1 (en) * 1998-11-18 2002-02-19 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism and method of assembling same
US6350007B1 (en) * 1998-10-19 2002-02-26 Eastman Kodak Company Self-cleaning ink jet printer using ultrasonics and method of assembling same
US6367847B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2002-04-09 Waters Investments Limited Coupler for placing two or more fluid streams in communication
US6375847B1 (en) * 1997-07-08 2002-04-23 Bucher-Guyer Ag Method for operating a cross-flow filtration installation
US20020047229A1 (en) * 2000-10-19 2002-04-25 Kenji Yanagisawa Stereolithographic shaping method and apparatus
US6386678B1 (en) * 1996-10-31 2002-05-14 Hewlett-Packard Company High deflection capping system for inkjet printheads
US6390588B1 (en) * 1998-07-21 2002-05-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printing apparatus and method of detecting registration deviation
US6401001B1 (en) * 1999-07-22 2002-06-04 Nanotek Instruments, Inc. Layer manufacturing using deposition of fused droplets
US6402288B2 (en) * 1996-10-31 2002-06-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Flexible frame onsert capping system for inkjet printheads
US20020075349A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Xerox Corporation Ink jet printer having a fast acting maintenance assembly
US6409297B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-06-25 Neopost Limited Alignment of imprints
US20020079601A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 2002-06-27 Z Corporation Method and apparatus for prototyping a three-dimensional object
US20030004599A1 (en) * 1999-12-31 2003-01-02 Zsolt Herbak Method of model construction
US6535293B1 (en) * 1998-04-28 2003-03-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printing system, printing control method, data processing apparatus and method, and storage medium therefor
US6533388B2 (en) * 2001-03-09 2003-03-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for an inkjet printer
US20030058301A1 (en) * 2001-08-28 2003-03-27 Takuro Sekiya Ink-jet recording apparatus and copying machine
US6540323B1 (en) * 2002-01-31 2003-04-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Snout-encompassing capping system for inkjet printheads
US6547360B2 (en) * 1998-10-27 2003-04-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Locating method of an optical sensor, an adjustment method of dot printing position using the optical sensor, and a printing apparatus
US6550891B1 (en) * 2000-11-28 2003-04-22 Xerox Corporation Rotating wiper and blotter for ink jet print head
US6556315B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2003-04-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Digital image scanner with compensation for misalignment of photosensor array segments
US6554390B2 (en) * 1999-03-05 2003-04-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Test pattern implementation for ink-jet printhead alignment
US20030081047A1 (en) * 2001-10-30 2003-05-01 Yearout Russell P. Wiping fluid spray system for inkjet printhead
US6582052B2 (en) * 2001-03-26 2003-06-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Pen alignment using a color sensor
US6694064B1 (en) * 1999-11-19 2004-02-17 Positive Systems, Inc. Digital aerial image mosaic method and apparatus
US20040056378A1 (en) * 2002-09-25 2004-03-25 Bredt James F. Three dimensional printing material system and method
US6755499B2 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-06-29 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printer device alignment method and apparatus
US6838035B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2005-01-04 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Rapid-prototyping method and apparatus
US6841166B1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2005-01-11 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Nitric oxide-releasing polymers incorporating diazeniumdiolated silane derivatives
US20050017394A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2005-01-27 Voxeljet Gmbh Methods and systems for the manufacture of layered three-dimensional forms
US6860585B2 (en) * 2002-08-15 2005-03-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printhead orientation
US20050072113A1 (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-07 Collins David C. Uses of support material in solid freeform fabrication systems
US6898477B2 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-05-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and method for performing adaptive modification of rapid prototyping build files

Family Cites Families (61)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4575330A (en) 1984-08-08 1986-03-11 Uvp, Inc. Apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5174943A (en) 1984-08-08 1992-12-29 3D Systems, Inc. Method for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5344298A (en) 1984-08-08 1994-09-06 3D Systems, Inc. Apparatus for making three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5263130A (en) 1986-06-03 1993-11-16 Cubital Ltd. Three dimensional modelling apparatus
US5147587A (en) 1986-10-17 1992-09-15 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method of producing parts and molds using composite ceramic powders
US5155324A (en) 1986-10-17 1992-10-13 Deckard Carl R Method for selective laser sintering with layerwise cross-scanning
US5076869A (en) 1986-10-17 1991-12-31 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US4872026A (en) 1987-03-11 1989-10-03 Hewlett-Packard Company Ink-jet printer with printhead carriage alignment mechanism
US4853717A (en) 1987-10-23 1989-08-01 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for ink-jet printer
DE354637T1 (en) 1988-04-18 1996-06-27 3D Systems Inc Stereolithographic CAD / CAM data conversion.
US5137662A (en) 1988-11-08 1992-08-11 3-D Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
KR100257033B1 (en) 1988-04-18 2000-06-01 찰스 윌리엄 헐 Method of and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography with reduced curl
US5876550A (en) 1988-10-05 1999-03-02 Helisys, Inc. Laminated object manufacturing apparatus and method
US5053090A (en) 1989-09-05 1991-10-01 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Selective laser sintering with assisted powder handling
US5460758A (en) 1990-12-21 1995-10-24 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Method and apparatus for production of a three-dimensional object
DK0500225T3 (en) 1991-01-31 1996-02-05 Texas Instruments Inc System, method and process for computer controlled production of three-dimensional objects from computer data
US5238614A (en) 1991-05-28 1993-08-24 Matsushita Electric Words, Ltd., Japan Process of fabricating three-dimensional objects from a light curable resin liquid
US5146243A (en) 1991-07-29 1992-09-08 Hewlett-Packard Company Diaphragm cap system for ink-jet printers
US5252264A (en) 1991-11-08 1993-10-12 Dtm Corporation Apparatus and method for producing parts with multi-directional powder delivery
EP0584960B1 (en) 1992-08-26 1997-01-02 Hewlett-Packard Company Ink-jet printhead cap having suspended lip
US5342919A (en) 1992-11-23 1994-08-30 Dtm Corporation Sinterable semi-crystalline powder and near-fully dense article formed therewith
US5352405A (en) 1992-12-18 1994-10-04 Dtm Corporation Thermal control of selective laser sintering via control of the laser scan
US5450105A (en) 1993-04-30 1995-09-12 Hewlett-Packard Company Manual pen selection for clearing nozzles without removal from pen carriage
US5587729A (en) 1993-05-11 1996-12-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Rotatable service station for ink-jet printer
DE69432023T2 (en) 1993-09-10 2003-10-23 Univ Queensland Santa Lucia STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC ANATOMIC MODELING PROCESS
US5976339A (en) 1993-10-01 1999-11-02 Andre, Sr.; Larry Edward Method of incremental layered object fabrication
US5518680A (en) 1993-10-18 1996-05-21 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Tissue regeneration matrices by solid free form fabrication techniques
US5490962A (en) 1993-10-18 1996-02-13 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Preparation of medical devices by solid free-form fabrication methods
US5555481A (en) 1993-11-15 1996-09-10 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Method of producing solid parts using two distinct classes of materials
US5682186A (en) 1994-03-10 1997-10-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Protective capping apparatus for an ink-jet pen
US5640183A (en) 1994-07-20 1997-06-17 Hewlett-Packard Company Redundant nozzle dot matrix printheads and method of use
DE69525794T2 (en) 1994-08-12 2002-10-31 Hewlett Packard Co Positioning a cleaning carriage using a driven cam
EP1122072A3 (en) 1994-08-12 2001-09-05 Hewlett-Packard Company Cap alignment and wiper positioning for inkjet printer service
US5559538A (en) 1994-08-12 1996-09-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Positioning of service station and paper pick pressure plate using single motor
JPH08197742A (en) * 1995-01-31 1996-08-06 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Ink jet recording apparatus
US6193353B1 (en) 1995-03-06 2001-02-27 Hewlett-Packard Company Translational inkjet servicing module with multiple functions
US5837960A (en) * 1995-08-14 1998-11-17 The Regents Of The University Of California Laser production of articles from powders
US5622577A (en) 1995-08-28 1997-04-22 Delco Electronics Corp. Rapid prototyping process and cooling chamber therefor
US5653925A (en) 1995-09-26 1997-08-05 Stratasys, Inc. Method for controlled porosity three-dimensional modeling
US5867184A (en) 1995-11-30 1999-02-02 Hewlett-Packard Company Universal cap for different style inkjet printheads
US6007318A (en) * 1996-12-20 1999-12-28 Z Corporation Method and apparatus for prototyping a three-dimensional object
US6189995B1 (en) 1997-03-04 2001-02-20 Hewlett-Packard Company Manually replaceable printhead servicing module for each different inkjet printhead
US7360872B2 (en) * 1997-07-15 2008-04-22 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Inkjet printhead chip with nozzle assemblies incorporating fluidic seals
US20040119829A1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2004-06-24 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Printhead assembly for a print on demand digital camera system
US6000779A (en) 1997-08-29 1999-12-14 Hewlett-Packard Company Triple-cartridge inkjet service station
US6199973B1 (en) 1997-09-03 2001-03-13 Hewlett Packard Company Storage container for inkjet cartridges having removable capping means and a method for storing inkjet cartridges
WO1999061249A1 (en) * 1998-05-28 1999-12-02 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Ink jet printer equipped with maintenance system
US6270183B1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2001-08-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Printhead servicing technique
JP2000198224A (en) * 1999-01-05 2000-07-18 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Printing jig, maintenance mechanism and printer
US6135585A (en) 1999-01-08 2000-10-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Replaceable capping system for inkjet printheads
US6612824B2 (en) * 1999-03-29 2003-09-02 Minolta Co., Ltd. Three-dimensional object molding apparatus
DE29907262U1 (en) * 1999-04-23 1999-07-15 Eos Electro Optical Syst Device for producing a three-dimensional object using rapid prototyping
DE19937260B4 (en) * 1999-08-06 2006-07-27 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Method and device for producing a three-dimensional object
US6280014B1 (en) * 1999-12-14 2001-08-28 Eastman Kodak Company Cleaning mechanism for inkjet print head with fixed gutter
US6238035B1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2001-05-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Indexing scraper cleaning method and system for inkjet printheads and printing mechanism including the system
US6460968B1 (en) * 2000-06-14 2002-10-08 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for inkjet printers
US6841116B2 (en) * 2001-10-03 2005-01-11 3D Systems, Inc. Selective deposition modeling with curable phase change materials
US6609779B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2003-08-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Bellows capping system for inkjet printheads
EP1310369A1 (en) * 2001-11-08 2003-05-14 Agfa-Gevaert Method for cleaning an inkjet print head using a slanted wiper.
US7153454B2 (en) * 2003-01-21 2006-12-26 University Of Southern California Multi-nozzle assembly for extrusion of wall
US6918648B2 (en) * 2003-07-11 2005-07-19 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Inkjet capping elevator

Patent Citations (99)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4250513A (en) * 1979-09-19 1981-02-10 General Electric Company Linear vertical adjustment mechanism
US4247508B1 (en) * 1979-12-03 1996-10-01 Dtm Corp Molding process
US4247508A (en) * 1979-12-03 1981-01-27 Hico Western Products Co. Molding process
US4929402A (en) * 1984-08-08 1990-05-29 3D Systems, Inc. Method for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5630981A (en) * 1984-08-08 1997-05-20 3D Systems, Inc. Method for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US4734718A (en) * 1985-02-13 1988-03-29 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet printer nozzle clog preventive apparatus
US4752352A (en) * 1986-06-06 1988-06-21 Michael Feygin Apparatus and method for forming an integral object from laminations
US5639070A (en) * 1986-10-17 1997-06-17 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method for producing parts by selective sintering
US5017753A (en) * 1986-10-17 1991-05-21 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering
US5616294A (en) * 1986-10-17 1997-04-01 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method for producing parts by infiltration of porous intermediate parts
US4944817A (en) * 1986-10-17 1990-07-31 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US5296062A (en) * 1986-10-17 1994-03-22 The Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US5132143A (en) * 1986-10-17 1992-07-21 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method for producing parts
US5382308A (en) * 1986-10-17 1995-01-17 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Multiple material systems for selective beam sintering
US5316580A (en) * 1986-10-17 1994-05-31 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering
US4938816A (en) * 1986-10-17 1990-07-03 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Selective laser sintering with assisted powder handling
US5014075A (en) * 1987-09-18 1991-05-07 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Multibeam recorder using mirror reflected parallel scan lines
US4996010A (en) * 1988-04-18 1991-02-26 3D Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5184307A (en) * 1988-04-18 1993-02-02 3D Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for production of high resolution three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5501824A (en) * 1988-04-18 1996-03-26 3D Systems, Inc. Thermal stereolithography
US5776409A (en) * 1988-04-18 1998-07-07 3D Systems, Inc. Thermal stereolithograp using slice techniques
US5637175A (en) * 1988-10-05 1997-06-10 Helisys Corporation Apparatus for forming an integral object from laminations
US5134569A (en) * 1989-06-26 1992-07-28 Masters William E System and method for computer automated manufacturing using fluent material
US5027134A (en) * 1989-09-01 1991-06-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Non-clogging cap and service station for ink-jet printheads
US5387380A (en) * 1989-12-08 1995-02-07 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Three-dimensional printing techniques
US5204055A (en) * 1989-12-08 1993-04-20 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Three-dimensional printing techniques
US5115250A (en) * 1990-01-12 1992-05-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for ink-jet printhead
US5283173A (en) * 1990-01-24 1994-02-01 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York System to detect protein-protein interactions
US5103244A (en) * 1990-07-05 1992-04-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Method and apparatus for cleaning ink-jet printheads
US5216449A (en) * 1991-07-29 1993-06-01 Hewlett-Packard Company Rounded capillary vent system for ink-jet printers
US5393613A (en) * 1991-12-24 1995-02-28 Microelectronics And Computer Technology Corporation Composition for three-dimensional metal fabrication using a laser
US5301863A (en) * 1992-11-04 1994-04-12 Prinz Fritz B Automated system for forming objects by incremental buildup of layers
US20020012202A1 (en) * 1992-11-12 2002-01-31 Seagate Technology, Inc. One-piece flexure for small magnetic heads
US5527877A (en) * 1992-11-23 1996-06-18 Dtm Corporation Sinterable semi-crystalline powder and near-fully dense article formed therewith
US5648450A (en) * 1992-11-23 1997-07-15 Dtm Corporation Sinterable semi-crystalline powder and near-fully dense article formed therein
US5490882A (en) * 1992-11-30 1996-02-13 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Process for removing loose powder particles from interior passages of a body
US5867550A (en) * 1992-12-02 1999-02-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Process for the production of a screen plate for a fuel assembly foot and corresponding fuel assembly
US5430666A (en) * 1992-12-18 1995-07-04 Dtm Corporation Automated method and apparatus for calibration of laser scanning in a selective laser sintering apparatus
US5600350A (en) * 1993-04-30 1997-02-04 Hewlett-Packard Company Multiple inkjet print cartridge alignment by scanning a reference pattern and sampling same with reference to a position encoder
US5534896A (en) * 1993-07-19 1996-07-09 Hewlett-Packard Company Tubeless ink-jet printer priming cap system and method
US5433280A (en) * 1994-03-16 1995-07-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Fabrication method for rotary bits and bit components and bits and components produced thereby
US5712668A (en) * 1994-03-25 1998-01-27 Hewlett-Packard Company Rotary Multi-ridge capping system for inkjet printheads
US5753171A (en) * 1994-05-13 1998-05-19 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Method and apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object
US5616099A (en) * 1994-11-14 1997-04-01 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Lock-up control system for torque converter
US5616100A (en) * 1994-12-27 1997-04-01 Nissan Motor Co, Inc. Lockup control system for torque converter
US5753274A (en) * 1995-03-30 1998-05-19 Eos Gmbh Electronics Optical Systems Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object
US5733497A (en) * 1995-03-31 1998-03-31 Dtm Corporation Selective laser sintering with composite plastic material
US5757395A (en) * 1995-09-25 1998-05-26 Hewlett-Packard Company Color capable single-cartridge inkjet service station
US5749041A (en) * 1995-10-13 1998-05-05 Dtm Corporation Method of forming three-dimensional articles using thermosetting materials
US5745133A (en) * 1995-10-31 1998-04-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Dual pivoting wiper system for inkjet printheads
US5640667A (en) * 1995-11-27 1997-06-17 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Laser-directed fabrication of full-density metal articles using hot isostatic processing
US5738817A (en) * 1996-02-08 1998-04-14 Rutgers, The State University Solid freeform fabrication methods
US5889765A (en) * 1996-02-12 1999-03-30 Northern Telecom Limited Bi-directional communications network
US5902441A (en) * 1996-09-04 1999-05-11 Z Corporation Method of three dimensional printing
US6386678B1 (en) * 1996-10-31 2002-05-14 Hewlett-Packard Company High deflection capping system for inkjet printheads
US6390593B1 (en) * 1996-10-31 2002-05-21 Hewlett-Packard Company Foam-filled caps for sealing inkjet printheads
US6402288B2 (en) * 1996-10-31 2002-06-11 Hewlett-Packard Company Flexible frame onsert capping system for inkjet printheads
US6989115B2 (en) * 1996-12-20 2006-01-24 Z Corporation Method and apparatus for prototyping a three-dimensional object
US20020079601A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 2002-06-27 Z Corporation Method and apparatus for prototyping a three-dimensional object
US5923347A (en) * 1997-01-24 1999-07-13 Xerox Corporation Method and system for cleaning an ink jet printhead
US6084980A (en) * 1997-05-13 2000-07-04 3D Systems, Inc. Method of and apparatus for deriving data intermediate to cross-sectional data descriptive of a three-dimensional object
US6375847B1 (en) * 1997-07-08 2002-04-23 Bucher-Guyer Ag Method for operating a cross-flow filtration installation
US6027209A (en) * 1997-09-03 2000-02-22 Hewlett-Packard Company Ordered storage and/or removal of inkjet cartridges and capping means from a storage container
US6196652B1 (en) * 1998-03-04 2001-03-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Scanning an inkjet test pattern for different calibration adjustments
US6535293B1 (en) * 1998-04-28 2003-03-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printing system, printing control method, data processing apparatus and method, and storage medium therefor
US6220689B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2001-04-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Unitary capping system for multiple inkjet printheads
US6390588B1 (en) * 1998-07-21 2002-05-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Printing apparatus and method of detecting registration deviation
US6257143B1 (en) * 1998-07-21 2001-07-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Adjustment method of dot printing positions and a printing apparatus
US6350007B1 (en) * 1998-10-19 2002-02-26 Eastman Kodak Company Self-cleaning ink jet printer using ultrasonics and method of assembling same
US6547360B2 (en) * 1998-10-27 2003-04-15 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Locating method of an optical sensor, an adjustment method of dot printing position using the optical sensor, and a printing apparatus
US6347858B1 (en) * 1998-11-18 2002-02-19 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism and method of assembling same
US6241337B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-06-05 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer
US6409297B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-06-25 Neopost Limited Alignment of imprints
US6554390B2 (en) * 1999-03-05 2003-04-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Test pattern implementation for ink-jet printhead alignment
US6367847B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2002-04-09 Waters Investments Limited Coupler for placing two or more fluid streams in communication
US6234602B1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2001-05-22 Hewlett-Packard Company Automated ink-jet printhead alignment system
US6401001B1 (en) * 1999-07-22 2002-06-04 Nanotek Instruments, Inc. Layer manufacturing using deposition of fused droplets
US6556315B1 (en) * 1999-07-30 2003-04-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Digital image scanner with compensation for misalignment of photosensor array segments
US6250736B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-06-26 Eastman Kodak Company Continuous ink jet print head with fixed position ink gutter compatible with hydrodynamic and wipe cleaning
US20010000434A1 (en) * 1999-09-24 2001-04-26 Medin Todd R. Contoured cross-sectional wiper for cleaning inkjet printheads
US6345223B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2002-02-05 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Lock-up control device for vehicle
US6838035B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2005-01-04 Voxeljet Technology Gmbh Rapid-prototyping method and apparatus
US6694064B1 (en) * 1999-11-19 2004-02-17 Positive Systems, Inc. Digital aerial image mosaic method and apparatus
US20030004599A1 (en) * 1999-12-31 2003-01-02 Zsolt Herbak Method of model construction
US20020047229A1 (en) * 2000-10-19 2002-04-25 Kenji Yanagisawa Stereolithographic shaping method and apparatus
US6550891B1 (en) * 2000-11-28 2003-04-22 Xerox Corporation Rotating wiper and blotter for ink jet print head
US20020075349A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2002-06-20 Xerox Corporation Ink jet printer having a fast acting maintenance assembly
US6533388B2 (en) * 2001-03-09 2003-03-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Service station for an inkjet printer
US6582052B2 (en) * 2001-03-26 2003-06-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Pen alignment using a color sensor
US6755499B2 (en) * 2001-03-30 2004-06-29 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printer device alignment method and apparatus
US6841166B1 (en) * 2001-08-21 2005-01-11 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Nitric oxide-releasing polymers incorporating diazeniumdiolated silane derivatives
US20030058301A1 (en) * 2001-08-28 2003-03-27 Takuro Sekiya Ink-jet recording apparatus and copying machine
US20030081047A1 (en) * 2001-10-30 2003-05-01 Yearout Russell P. Wiping fluid spray system for inkjet printhead
US6540323B1 (en) * 2002-01-31 2003-04-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Snout-encompassing capping system for inkjet printheads
US6860585B2 (en) * 2002-08-15 2005-03-01 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printhead orientation
US20040056378A1 (en) * 2002-09-25 2004-03-25 Bredt James F. Three dimensional printing material system and method
US20050017394A1 (en) * 2003-06-16 2005-01-27 Voxeljet Gmbh Methods and systems for the manufacture of layered three-dimensional forms
US6898477B2 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-05-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and method for performing adaptive modification of rapid prototyping build files
US20050072113A1 (en) * 2003-10-03 2005-04-07 Collins David C. Uses of support material in solid freeform fabrication systems

Cited By (87)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120288627A1 (en) * 2009-12-18 2012-11-15 Sri International Three-dimensional electromagnetic metamaterials and methods of manufacture
US8512024B2 (en) 2011-01-20 2013-08-20 Makerbot Industries, Llc Multi-extruder
US9533450B2 (en) 2011-01-31 2017-01-03 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US10124532B2 (en) 2011-01-31 2018-11-13 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US9987804B2 (en) 2011-01-31 2018-06-05 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
AU2012212488B2 (en) * 2011-01-31 2017-02-09 Global Filtration Systems, A Dba Of Gulf Filtration Systems Inc. Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US9561623B2 (en) 2011-01-31 2017-02-07 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US8801418B2 (en) 2011-01-31 2014-08-12 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
WO2012106256A1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-09 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US8778252B2 (en) 2012-01-20 2014-07-15 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Three-dimensional printing system using dual rotation axes
EP3360663A1 (en) 2012-09-05 2018-08-15 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US9517592B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2016-12-13 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US9908293B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2018-03-06 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US10118335B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2018-11-06 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US8888480B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2014-11-18 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
WO2014039378A1 (en) 2012-09-05 2014-03-13 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US10449712B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2019-10-22 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US9610735B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2017-04-04 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
EP3842215A1 (en) 2012-09-05 2021-06-30 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US9517591B2 (en) 2012-09-05 2016-12-13 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
WO2014092651A1 (en) * 2012-12-16 2014-06-19 Blacksmith Group Pte. Ltd. A 3d printer with a controllable rotary surface and method for 3d printing with controllable rotary surface
US20180085995A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2018-03-29 New York University 3d manufacturing using multiple material deposition and/or fusion sources simultaneously with single or multi-flute helical build surfaces
US20140191439A1 (en) * 2013-01-04 2014-07-10 New York University Continuous Feed 3D Manufacturing
EP3431141A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-23 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing method
WO2014144512A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Rapid disperse dosage form containing levetiracetam
WO2015017580A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2015-02-05 Simon Saba Systems and methods for three-dimensional printing
WO2015036559A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2015-03-19 Till Gmbh Cleaning adapter and method for cleaning print heads
US9944081B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2018-04-17 Till Gmbh Cleaning adapter and method for cleaning print heads
US10124531B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2018-11-13 Ut-Battelle, Llc Rapid non-contact energy transfer for additive manufacturing driven high intensity electromagnetic fields
US9527244B2 (en) 2014-02-10 2016-12-27 Global Filtration Systems Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
US9975296B2 (en) 2014-02-10 2018-05-22 Global Filtration Systems Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
US9527272B2 (en) 2014-03-07 2016-12-27 Polar 3D Llc Method for printing a three-dimensional object
WO2015134882A3 (en) * 2014-03-07 2015-12-10 Polar 3D Llc Three dimensional printer
US9650537B2 (en) 2014-04-14 2017-05-16 Ut-Battelle, Llc Reactive polymer fused deposition manufacturing
WO2016009426A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2016-01-21 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
EP4177041A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2023-05-10 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
EP3524406A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2019-08-14 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
US10611136B2 (en) 2014-07-13 2020-04-07 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3D printing
EP3166774A4 (en) * 2014-07-13 2018-03-14 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
EP4194177A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2023-06-14 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
EP3848180A1 (en) * 2014-07-13 2021-07-14 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3d printing
US11897186B2 (en) 2014-07-13 2024-02-13 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for rotational 3D printing
DE102014011230A1 (en) * 2014-07-25 2016-01-28 Technische Universität Dortmund Device for three-dimensional additive printing operations, in particular for large-volume components, in particular according to the method of fused deposition molding (FDM)
WO2016143942A1 (en) * 2015-03-12 2016-09-15 Lg Electronics Inc. Printing apparatus for building three-dimensional object
US10195785B2 (en) 2015-03-12 2019-02-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Printing apparatus for building three-dimensional object
US11220096B2 (en) 2015-04-28 2022-01-11 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing devices and methods
US10442175B2 (en) 2015-04-28 2019-10-15 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing devices and methods
US11534832B2 (en) * 2015-06-04 2022-12-27 The Regents Of The University Of California Selective laser sintering using functional inclusions dispersed in the matrix material being created
US20160354840A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-08 The Regents Of The University Of California Selective laser sintering using functional inclusions dispersed in the matrix material being created
US10799952B2 (en) * 2015-06-04 2020-10-13 The Regents Of The University Of California Selective laser sintering using functional inclusions dispersed in the matrix material being created
US11084205B2 (en) 2015-07-13 2021-08-10 Stratasys Ltd. Operation of printing nozzles in additive manufacture and apparatus for cleaning printing nozzles
WO2017009831A1 (en) * 2015-07-13 2017-01-19 Stratasys Ltd. Method and system for 3d printing
KR102570502B1 (en) 2015-08-21 2023-08-25 아프레시아 파마슈티칼즈 엘엘씨 3D printing system and equipment assembly
WO2017034951A1 (en) 2015-08-21 2017-03-02 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
KR20180044280A (en) * 2015-08-21 2018-05-02 아프레시아 파마슈티칼즈 엘엘씨 3D printing system and equipment assembly
US11383440B2 (en) 2015-08-21 2022-07-12 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals LLC Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly
US10814607B2 (en) * 2015-08-25 2020-10-27 University Of South Carolina Integrated robotic 3D printing system for printing of fiber reinforced parts
US20170057167A1 (en) * 2015-08-25 2017-03-02 University Of South Carolina Integrated robotic 3d printing system for printing of fiber reinforced parts
US10513108B2 (en) 2015-12-11 2019-12-24 Global Filtration Systems Method for concurrently making multiple three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US10245822B2 (en) 2015-12-11 2019-04-02 Global Filtration Systems Method and apparatus for concurrently making multiple three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
US10765658B2 (en) 2016-06-22 2020-09-08 Mastix LLC Oral compositions delivering therapeutically effective amounts of cannabinoids
US11077089B2 (en) 2016-06-22 2021-08-03 Per Os Biosciences, Llc Oral compositions delivering therapeutically effective amounts of cannabinoids
WO2017223309A1 (en) 2016-06-22 2017-12-28 Mastix, Llc Oral compositions delivering therapeutically effective amounts of cannabinoids
US10807194B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2020-10-20 Safran Aircraft Engines Device for fabricating annular pieces by selectively melting powder, the device including a powder wiper
WO2018074988A1 (en) * 2016-10-17 2018-04-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp Detection of build material in a 3d printing system
US11117362B2 (en) 2017-03-29 2021-09-14 Tighitco, Inc. 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced part
US10441426B2 (en) 2017-04-18 2019-10-15 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing of mesh implants for bone delivery
US10064726B1 (en) 2017-04-18 2018-09-04 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3D printing of mesh implants for bone delivery
US11660196B2 (en) 2017-04-21 2023-05-30 Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. 3-D printing of bone grafts
JP2018176708A (en) * 2017-04-21 2018-11-15 三緯國際立體列印科技股▲ふん▼有限公司XYZprinting, Inc. Injection head cleaning module
US11657507B2 (en) * 2017-05-23 2023-05-23 Zhuhai Sailner 3D Technology Co., Ltd. Image data processing method and printing system for printing technology
WO2019005042A1 (en) * 2017-06-28 2019-01-03 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Build material dispenser refill control for additive manufacturing
WO2019094267A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-16 General Electric Company Powder refill system for an additive manufacturing machine
US11612937B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2023-03-28 General Electric Company Powder refill system for an additive manufacturing machine
WO2019190516A1 (en) * 2018-03-29 2019-10-03 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Determining excess build material
US11383449B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2022-07-12 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Determining excess build material
US11407180B2 (en) 2018-05-04 2022-08-09 Desktop Metal, Inc. Support edifice for three-dimensional printing
US11524338B2 (en) 2018-06-26 2022-12-13 Ihi Corporation Three-dimensional modeling device
US11498267B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2022-11-15 General Electric Company Multi-material additive manufacturing apparatus and method
EP3670149A1 (en) * 2018-12-21 2020-06-24 General Electric Company Multi-material additive manufacturing apparatus and method
US20210053122A1 (en) * 2019-08-23 2021-02-25 Indium Corporation Thermally decomposing build plate for facile release of 3d printed objects
US11766721B2 (en) * 2019-08-23 2023-09-26 Indium Corporation Thermally decomposing build plate for facile release of 3D printed objects
US11345082B2 (en) * 2019-09-23 2022-05-31 The Boeing Company Methods for additively manufacturing an object from a powder material
US11697244B2 (en) 2020-08-28 2023-07-11 University Of South Carolina In-line polymerization for customizable composite fiber manufacture in additive manufacturing
WO2022271453A1 (en) * 2021-06-24 2022-12-29 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation High energy 3-d printer employing continuous print path
WO2023144048A1 (en) * 2022-01-27 2023-08-03 Exone Gmbh Printhead cleaning device for a 3d printer, 3d printer, use of the printhead cleaning device for a 3d printer, method for cleaning a printhead of a 3d printer, method for cleaning a wiper element of a printhead cleaning device of a 3d printer, and method for conserving a printhead of a 3d printer
WO2023158666A1 (en) * 2022-02-21 2023-08-24 Desktop Metal, Inc. Binder jetting print carriage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1628831A2 (en) 2006-03-01
US20040265413A1 (en) 2004-12-30
WO2004106041A2 (en) 2004-12-09
US7291002B2 (en) 2007-11-06
JP2007503342A (en) 2007-02-22
WO2004106041A3 (en) 2005-08-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7291002B2 (en) Apparatus and methods for 3D printing
US7824001B2 (en) Apparatus and methods for servicing 3D printers
US7387359B2 (en) Apparatus and methods for servicing 3D printers
US10421280B2 (en) Liquid ejecting apparatus and maintenance device
JP7299426B2 (en) Printing machine and method of cleaning at least one nozzle bar of at least one printing module
EP1070592A1 (en) Ink jet printer and method for operating the same
JP2018103399A (en) Liquid injection device and cleaning device
KR20080112542A (en) Ink-jet image forming apparatus
US9227411B2 (en) Nozzle face cleaning device and image recording device
JP7311716B2 (en) Printing machine and method of cleaning at least one nozzle bar of at least one printing module
US8857950B2 (en) Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection method
JP4691772B2 (en) Suction unit
US11027550B2 (en) Spitting offsets for printheads
JP2012179740A (en) Recording apparatus
US11225081B2 (en) Cleaning device, head cleaning device and inkjet image forming apparatus
KR101911223B1 (en) Head wiping apparatus for digital printing machine
EP1070591A1 (en) Ink jet printer
EP4291411A1 (en) Inkjet nozzles cleaning in a digital printing system
JP2024510024A (en) Cleaning inkjet nozzles in digital printing systems
CN116981572A (en) Cleaning of inkjet nozzles in digital printing systems
WO2012073905A1 (en) Belt transport device and image recording device
JP2011224833A (en) Inkjet printer

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: Z CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RUSSELL, DAVID;HERNANDEZ, ANDRES;KINSLEY, JOSHUA;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019873/0872

Effective date: 20040421

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION