Heated build platform and system for three dimensional printing methods
DCFirst Claim
1. A build apparatus for printing a 3D object of thermoplastics employing additive manufacturing methods, the apparatus comprising:
- a build platform with a temperature control unit configured to control heating of the build platform;
a thermally conductive plate disposed adjacent to the build platform; and
a polymer coating attached to a surface of the thermally conductive plate which is capable of (i) facilitating adhesion to the 3D object during printing and (ii) permitting removal of the 3D object once the 3D object has been formed and cooled without chemically or mechanically removing the polymer coating from 3D object and without damaging the polymer coating, the thermally conductive plate, or the 3D object, wherein the polymer coating is not a polymer tape.
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Abstract
An apparatus performing as a base for printing 3D objects using high temperature thermoplastics employing additive manufacturing methods is provided. The apparatus comprises a heated build platform, a thin removable plate secured on top of the build platform, a high temperature polymer coating applied over the removable plate, and surface treatment of high temperature polymer coating to maintain adhesion between 3D object and printing surface. Also, the removable plate has low coefficient of thermal expansion compared to build platform below it, for avoiding bowing of the plate as it is heated due to heated build platform, hence providing flat printing surface. The thin removable plate allows 3D objects to pop off the plate upon cooling, without damaging the polymer coating, the plate, or the object. It also allows for continuous operation of printing, while the plate is released for cooling, a new plate is installed for printing.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A build apparatus for printing a 3D object of thermoplastics employing additive manufacturing methods, the apparatus comprising:
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a build platform with a temperature control unit configured to control heating of the build platform; a thermally conductive plate disposed adjacent to the build platform; and a polymer coating attached to a surface of the thermally conductive plate which is capable of (i) facilitating adhesion to the 3D object during printing and (ii) permitting removal of the 3D object once the 3D object has been formed and cooled without chemically or mechanically removing the polymer coating from 3D object and without damaging the polymer coating, the thermally conductive plate, or the 3D object, wherein the polymer coating is not a polymer tape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification