Three-Dimensional Printer
First Claim
1. An apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object, comprising:
- a feed reservoir for storing a supply of build material usable to fabricate the object;
a vacuum system having a vacuum inlet plumbed to the feed reservoir;
a build chamber for receiving incremental layers of the build material from the feed reservoir; and
an overflow cavity for receiving an excess quantity of build material transferred from the feed reservoir but not received by the build chamber.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. An apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object, comprising:
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a feed reservoir for storing a supply of build material usable to fabricate the object; a vacuum system having a vacuum inlet plumbed to the feed reservoir; a build chamber for receiving incremental layers of the build material from the feed reservoir; and an overflow cavity for receiving an excess quantity of build material transferred from the feed reservoir but not received by the build chamber.
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2-83. -83. (canceled)
Specification