Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing
First Claim
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1. A three-dimensional printing apparatus, comprising:
- a powder layer depositor configured to deposit a layer of powder onto an operating surface;
a dispenser configured for dispensing a fluid, which comprises a volatile liquid, onto the layer of powder; and
a heat source configured to facilitate evaporation of the volatile liquid, the heat source being movable with respect to the operating surface between an operable position in which the heat source is proximate the layer of powder, and an inoperable position in which the heat source is spaced apart from the layer of powder.
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing are shown and described. Various embodiments of the invention allow for more precise and controlled delivery of heat to achieve interlayer drying; isolation of the working region from the outside for reasons of cleanliness and in connection with the vapors of organic solvents; better control of the temperature of the working region; better accuracy in the flowrates of binder fluid dispensed; matching of delivered flowrates for multiple dispensers; verification of delivered flowrate or drops; provision for easier changeover of the machine from one powder to another; cleanability; and other needs.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A three-dimensional printing apparatus, comprising:
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a powder layer depositor configured to deposit a layer of powder onto an operating surface;
a dispenser configured for dispensing a fluid, which comprises a volatile liquid, onto the layer of powder; and
a heat source configured to facilitate evaporation of the volatile liquid, the heat source being movable with respect to the operating surface between an operable position in which the heat source is proximate the layer of powder, and an inoperable position in which the heat source is spaced apart from the layer of powder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A three-dimensional printing apparatus, comprising:
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a powder layer depositor configured to deposit a layer of a powder onto an operating surface;
a printhead configured to dispense a fluid, which comprises a volatile liquid, onto the layer of the powder; and
a heat source controllable in response to a signal from a sensor configured to measure a property of the powder. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. A method of three-dimensional printing, comprising the steps of:
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depositing a layer of powder onto an operating surface;
dispensing onto the layer of powder a fluid comprising a volatile liquid;
moving a heat source into an operable position proximate the layer of powder; and
applying heat from the heat source to the layer of powder to facilitate evaporation of the volatile liquid. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method of three-dimensional printing, comprising:
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depositing a slurry comprising a carrier liquid and a powder;
moving a heater proximate the slurry;
applying heat to the slurry to facilitate evaporation of the carrier liquid and leave a layer of powder;
moving the heater away from the layer of powder; and
dispensing onto the layer of powder a fluid comprising a volatile liquid. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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Specification