Three dimensional printer with removable, replaceable print nozzle
First Claim
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1. A device comprising:
- an extrusion head for extruding a thermoplastic, the extrusion head formed of a first material including a metal having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the extrusion head including a first end with an input port to receive a build material having a liquid transition temperature and a second end with an output port having a first diameter, the input port coupled in fluid communication with the output port by a chamber;
a heating element thermally coupled to the chamber, the heating element configured to apply heat to a wall of the chamber and liquefy the build material in the chamber; and
an output nozzle formed of a second material different from the first material, the second material including one or more of a plastic, a ceramic, and a shape memory alloy each having a second coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the first coefficient of thermal expansion and selected such that the output nozzle is mechanically stable at the liquid transition temperature of the build material, the output nozzle having an opening with second diameter less than the first diameter, the opening shaped according to a desired extrusion shape, and the output nozzle being constructed as a single, integral structure that is removably and replaceably coupled to the output port of the extrusion head.
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Abstract
A three dimensional printer with a removable, replaceable extrusion nozzle is disclosed.
26 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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an extrusion head for extruding a thermoplastic, the extrusion head formed of a first material including a metal having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the extrusion head including a first end with an input port to receive a build material having a liquid transition temperature and a second end with an output port having a first diameter, the input port coupled in fluid communication with the output port by a chamber; a heating element thermally coupled to the chamber, the heating element configured to apply heat to a wall of the chamber and liquefy the build material in the chamber; and an output nozzle formed of a second material different from the first material, the second material including one or more of a plastic, a ceramic, and a shape memory alloy each having a second coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the first coefficient of thermal expansion and selected such that the output nozzle is mechanically stable at the liquid transition temperature of the build material, the output nozzle having an opening with second diameter less than the first diameter, the opening shaped according to a desired extrusion shape, and the output nozzle being constructed as a single, integral structure that is removably and replaceably coupled to the output port of the extrusion head. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification