ABSTRACT
Abstract
Techniques, systems, and devices are described for implementing a portable and affordable 3D printer. One portable 3D printer includes a material supply system to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine includes an extrusion system that comprises a heating block, which includes a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material, a heating body to heat up the printing material, and a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body. The printer further includes a movement system to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage, a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system, and a printer body positioned to enclose the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent document claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/484,271, filed Apr. 11, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTERâ; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/560,105, filed Sep. 18, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTERâ; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/589,349, filed Nov. 21, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTER WITH IMPROVED MOVEMENT SYSTEMâ. The entire content of the before-mentioned patent applications is incorporated by reference as part of the disclosure of this application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This present disclosure is directed generally to three-dimensional (3D) printing, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and techniques to achieve a 3D printer having a small form factor.
BACKGROUND
3D printing, also known as additive manufacture, has an ever increasing presence in manufacturing. Agile tooling using 3D printing is a cost effective and high quality method to quickly respond to customer and market needs. However, traditional 3D printers are typically bulky and expensive. Many of them occupy a large amount of space, and are priced from at least $2,000. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved techniques and system for providing a portable and affordable 3D printer that can be used in homes, offices, or classrooms.
SUMMARY
In this document, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions.
Additionally, in the subject description, the word âexemplaryâ is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as âexemplaryâ is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a portable and affordable 3D printer.
In one exemplary aspect, a portable three-dimensional (3D) printer is disclosed. The printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine of the 3D printer. The print engine including an extrusion system that comprises a heating block. The heating block includes a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material, a heating body positioned below the top portion, and a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body. The heating body is coupled to a heating element operable to supply heat to the heating body and heat up the printing material, the heating body further coupled to a temperature sensor operable to sense a temperature of the heating body. The heat break portion includes a first end in contact with the top portion, a second end in contact with the heating body, and a center. Each end has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the center to reduce heat transfer from the heating body to other components of the 3D printer. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system, multiple pulleys, and one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system; and a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer.
In another exemplary aspect, a portable 3D printer is disclosed. The portable 3D printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine includes an extrusion system positioned to receive the printing material from the material supply system. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises one or more belts, multiple pulleys in contact with the one or more belts, and an extruder carriage in contact with the one or more belts. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The extruder carriage is positioned to carry the extrusion system and comprises an upper portion in contact with the one or more belts to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage and a lower portion coupled to the extrusion system. The upper portion includes a first wall generally parallel to the one or more belts, a second wall generally parallel to the first wall, a center portion located between the first wall and the second wall and spaced apart from the first wall and the second wall, and one or more coupling means that can adjustably pass through at least a section of the extruder carriage to make contact with a section of the one or more belts and to allow a tension adjustment of the one or more belts. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system, and a printer body positioned to enclose the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes a movable door to allow access to the build platform.
In yet another exemplary aspect, a portable 3D printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine including an extrusion system positioned to receive the printing material from the material supply system. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system, multiple pulleys, and one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system. The build platform comprises a build plate that includes a bottom layer including a heating element operable to heat up the build plate, a middle layer positioned on the bottom layer to provide structural support for the build plate, and a top layer configured to provide a smooth printing surface. The build platform includes a leveling adapter positioned under the build plate, the leveling adapter including multiple leveling points located in proximity to corners of the leveling adapter, and multiple leveling knobs coupled to the multiple leveling points of the leveling adapter to allow the build plate to be leveled through the leveling adapter. The portable 3D printer includes a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer.
The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the description and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an overview diagram of an exemplary 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary movement system of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary movement system of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2C shows exemplary support frames for a base plate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2D illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2E shows another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2F shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2G shows an exemplary extruder carriage used in a movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2H shows an exemplary top view of a movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2I shows an exemplary zoom-in view of the movement system shown in FIG. 2H .
FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary extrusion system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 3B shows another exploded view of an exemplary extrusion system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration for a calibration mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an exemplary heat block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 6 shows a small heated area at the bottom of an exemplary heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 7A shows an exemplary printing nozzle coupled to a heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 7B shows another exemplary printing nozzle and a heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 8A shows an isometric view of an exemplary cartridge ejection system that is positioned at one side of the printer body in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 8B shows a detailed view of an exemplary cartridge ejection system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9A shows an exemplary build platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9B shows some of the internal component of an exemplary build platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9C shows an example of an auto-leveling mechanism including several leveling motors in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 10 shows an exemplary filtered ventilation system positioned at the back of the printer body in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of another exemplary filtered ventilation system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 12A shows an example of a spool system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 12B shows an exploded view of a spool system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart representation of a method for calibrating a 3D printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart representation of a method for leveling a 3D printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This document describes techniques, devices, and systems for providing a portable and affordable 3D printing solution that can be used in homes, offices, and classrooms. In some embodiments, the desktop 3D printer is sometimes referred to as âCubibotâ or âCubibot printer,â which represents one example implementation of a fused filament fabrication (FFF) heat extrusion-based desktop 3D Printer that has been designed to reduce the cost of production, assembly and manufacturing of the printer while offering new functionalities, as well as features of larger and more expensive 3D Printers. In one exemplary embodiment, Cubibot has been optimized to have dimensions of about only 10 inches on each side (a volume of approximately 1000 cubic inches) while being capable of printing objects with cross sectional areas as large as 5 inches by 5 inches. Cubibot is also capable of printing different materials such as flexible, ABS, Nylon, PLA, wood PLA and more.
The disclosed features of the printer also improve the ease of use of the printer compared to existing consumer and industrial 3D Printers. Some of the features of the disclosed printers include a body that is simply three parts (top, center and bottom), as well as a movement system that is a formed as a separate component to facilitate assembly and to provide additional advantages and benefits as described below. Additional features include a filtered ventilation system which allows the printer to be safely operated at home or other indoor spaces, a specially-designed filament cartridge ejection system and more features as explained below.
FIG. 1 shows an overview diagram of an exemplary 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The printer 100 includes various additional components but only some of those are shown in FIG. 1 to avoid clutter. The printer 100 includes a top cover 101 , a movement system 102 , a <figure-callout id="105" label="back support frame" filenames="US10300651-20190528-D00000.png,US10300651-20190528-D0
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent document claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/484,271, filed Apr. 11, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTERâ; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/560,105, filed Sep. 18, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTERâ; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/589,349, filed Nov. 21, 2017, entitled âPORTABLE 3D PRINTER WITH IMPROVED MOVEMENT SYSTEMâ. The entire content of the before-mentioned patent applications is incorporated by reference as part of the disclosure of this application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This present disclosure is directed generally to three-dimensional (3D) printing, and more specifically, to systems, devices, and techniques to achieve a 3D printer having a small form factor.
BACKGROUND
3D printing, also known as additive manufacture, has an ever increasing presence in manufacturing. Agile tooling using 3D printing is a cost effective and high quality method to quickly respond to customer and market needs. However, traditional 3D printers are typically bulky and expensive. Many of them occupy a large amount of space, and are priced from at least $2,000. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved techniques and system for providing a portable and affordable 3D printer that can be used in homes, offices, or classrooms.
SUMMARY
In this document, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions.
Additionally, in the subject description, the word âexemplaryâ is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as âexemplaryâ is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a portable and affordable 3D printer.
In one exemplary aspect, a portable three-dimensional (3D) printer is disclosed. The printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine of the 3D printer. The print engine including an extrusion system that comprises a heating block. The heating block includes a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material, a heating body positioned below the top portion, and a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body. The heating body is coupled to a heating element operable to supply heat to the heating body and heat up the printing material, the heating body further coupled to a temperature sensor operable to sense a temperature of the heating body. The heat break portion includes a first end in contact with the top portion, a second end in contact with the heating body, and a center. Each end has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the center to reduce heat transfer from the heating body to other components of the 3D printer. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system, multiple pulleys, and one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system; and a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer.
In another exemplary aspect, a portable 3D printer is disclosed. The portable 3D printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine includes an extrusion system positioned to receive the printing material from the material supply system. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises one or more belts, multiple pulleys in contact with the one or more belts, and an extruder carriage in contact with the one or more belts. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The extruder carriage is positioned to carry the extrusion system and comprises an upper portion in contact with the one or more belts to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage and a lower portion coupled to the extrusion system. The upper portion includes a first wall generally parallel to the one or more belts, a second wall generally parallel to the first wall, a center portion located between the first wall and the second wall and spaced apart from the first wall and the second wall, and one or more coupling means that can adjustably pass through at least a section of the extruder carriage to make contact with a section of the one or more belts and to allow a tension adjustment of the one or more belts. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system, and a printer body positioned to enclose the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes a movable door to allow access to the build platform.
In yet another exemplary aspect, a portable 3D printer includes a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine including an extrusion system positioned to receive the printing material from the material supply system. The portable 3D printer includes a movement system that comprises an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system, multiple pulleys, and one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage. Each pulley is positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, and at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system. The portable 3D printer includes a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system. The build platform comprises a build plate that includes a bottom layer including a heating element operable to heat up the build plate, a middle layer positioned on the bottom layer to provide structural support for the build plate, and a top layer configured to provide a smooth printing surface. The build platform includes a leveling adapter positioned under the build plate, the leveling adapter including multiple leveling points located in proximity to corners of the leveling adapter, and multiple leveling knobs coupled to the multiple leveling points of the leveling adapter to allow the build plate to be leveled through the leveling adapter. The portable 3D printer includes a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform. The printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer.
The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the description and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an overview diagram of an exemplary 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary movement system of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary movement system of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2C shows exemplary support frames for a base plate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2D illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2E shows another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2F shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2G shows an exemplary extruder carriage used in a movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2H shows an exemplary top view of a movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 2I shows an exemplary zoom-in view of the movement system shown in FIG. 2H .
FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary extrusion system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 3B shows another exploded view of an exemplary extrusion system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration for a calibration mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of an exemplary heat block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 6 shows a small heated area at the bottom of an exemplary heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 7A shows an exemplary printing nozzle coupled to a heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 7B shows another exemplary printing nozzle and a heating block in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 8A shows an isometric view of an exemplary cartridge ejection system that is positioned at one side of the printer body in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 8B shows a detailed view of an exemplary cartridge ejection system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9A shows an exemplary build platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9B shows some of the internal component of an exemplary build platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 9C shows an example of an auto-leveling mechanism including several leveling motors in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 10 shows an exemplary filtered ventilation system positioned at the back of the printer body in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of another exemplary filtered ventilation system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 12A shows an example of a spool system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 12B shows an exploded view of a spool system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart representation of a method for calibrating a 3D printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart representation of a method for leveling a 3D printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This document describes techniques, devices, and systems for providing a portable and affordable 3D printing solution that can be used in homes, offices, and classrooms. In some embodiments, the desktop 3D printer is sometimes referred to as âCubibotâ or âCubibot printer,â which represents one example implementation of a fused filament fabrication (FFF) heat extrusion-based desktop 3D Printer that has been designed to reduce the cost of production, assembly and manufacturing of the printer while offering new functionalities, as well as features of larger and more expensive 3D Printers. In one exemplary embodiment, Cubibot has been optimized to have dimensions of about only 10 inches on each side (a volume of approximately 1000 cubic inches) while being capable of printing objects with cross sectional areas as large as 5 inches by 5 inches. Cubibot is also capable of printing different materials such as flexible, ABS, Nylon, PLA, wood PLA and more.
The disclosed features of the printer also improve the ease of use of the printer compared to existing consumer and industrial 3D Printers. Some of the features of the disclosed printers include a body that is simply three parts (top, center and bottom), as well as a movement system that is a formed as a separate component to facilitate assembly and to provide additional advantages and benefits as described below. Additional features include a filtered ventilation system which allows the printer to be safely operated at home or other indoor spaces, a specially-designed filament cartridge ejection system and more features as explained below.
FIG. 1 shows an overview diagram of an exemplary 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The printer 100 includes various additional components but only some of those are shown in FIG. 1 to avoid clutter. The printer 100 includes a top cover 101 , a movement system 102 , a back support frame 105 , two exhaust fans 106 , and filter casing 107 , a body casing 108 , a side cover 109 , a cover 110 , a cartridge ejection system 111 , a back panel 112 , a heated build platform 113 , and a bottom cover for the body 114 . In some embodiments, the printer 100 also includes two side support frames 103 and 104 . An electronic control board (not shown) can be positioned between the cover 110 and side cover 109 . Such a placement allows easy access to the electronic board by removing the cover 110 . The electronic control board can include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, an FPGA and the like) and a memory that is coupled to the processor. The memory can include processor executable codes, which upon execution by the processor, can perform various operations, including but not limited to, providing data and commands to other components, communicating (e.g., via a wireless transmission protocol) with other components of the device or with outside entities, databases and devices. In particular, the electronic control board can provide various electrical controls, data communications and provide control over other functionalities of the 3D printer. One or more lights 116 (e.g., an RGB LED) are placed on the front panel and are coupled to the electronic control board. The lights 116 can be used to communicate a variety of status and error conditions to the user (and/or a repair person). The information conveyed through the lights 116 can be as simple as on/off or color functionality (e.g., off=red light; on=green light), or can be based on a color, duration or number of blinking lights.
Some of the key components are discussed in further detail in connection with FIGS. 2A-11 . In particular, the printer includes a single plate for its movement system, a compact heating block in its extrusion system, and a filtered ventilation system to allow safer use in indoor environments such as homes, offices, and classrooms.
Movement System
FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary movement system 200 of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The movement system 200 includes a single base plate 201 (e.g., an aluminum base plate) that acts as a support for precise movement of an extrusion system 203 along X and Y directions.
To facilitate the movement of the extrusion system 203 along the X axis, the system 200 includes two carriers 205 coupled to the extrusion system 203 and four linear rods 207 going through the carriers along X axis. The system also includes two carriage blocks 209 that carry one or more pulleys 211 for belt tensioning and movement. These components enable movement of the extrusion system 203 in both positive and negative X directions. In some embodiments, each carriage block 209 includes an X stop 210 positioned to stop the movement of the extrusion system 203 in X directions.
The system includes two linear rods 217 to enable movement of the extrusion system 203 long the Y-axis. Four rod stoppers 213 are used to hold the two linear rods 217 and to stop the extrusion system's movement along the Y-axis when the extrusion system 203 reaches the boundary of the printing area. An additional Y-stop (not shown) can be installed via the two holes 212 located at the front side of the base plate 201 to stop the extrusion system from further movement along Y axis.
To drive the X and Y movement of the extrusion system 203 , the movement system 200 includes two stepper motors 215 . In some embodiments, a third motor 219 is coupled to the back section of the base plate 201 to drive movement of the plate long the Z direction.
FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary movement system of a portable 3D printer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The main components included in this specific embodiment are similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A . However, the specific embodiment of FIG. 2B also includes a front barrier or cover 221 and additional pulleys 223 to facilitate the movement of the extrusion system 203 . The front cover 221 operates to provide safety and security features by providing a barrier that shields the interior of the 3D printer from contaminants from the outside environment (e.g., accidental dropping of items into the printer), and it also keeps the hot components away from the reach of a user.
All components of the movement system 200 can be manufactured as sub-assemblies and attached to the single base plate 201 . In one embodiment, only four screws are used to attach/detach the base plate 201 to/from the body through the four
holes
271 , 273 , 275 , and 277 . In another example embodiment, only six screws are used to attach/detach the base plate 201 to/from the body. This allows for easy maintenance and exchange of the components, while at the same time providing the needed structural integrity and connectivity of components to reduce vibrations and maintain a stable platform. A single, unified base plate 201 simplifies the manufacturing process and provides better stability for higher precision printing. The compact design of the movement system allows a large printing area within a compact frame. In some embodiments, the size of the base plate is approximately 9.5 inches by 9.5 inches, but the printing area can be as large as 5 inches by 5 inches.
FIG. 2D illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. In this embodiment, X axis movement is facilitated using linear rails 277 as opposed to linear rods 207 of FIG. 2B . As shown in FIG. 2D , the linear carriages 275 are positioned on and move on the linear rails 277 . A frame 273 is also provided for the X-axis and extrusion system movement. This structure can be more immune to vibrations and provides for a steady movement of the extrusion system.
FIG. 2E shows another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. In this embodiment, the belts and the pulleys are designed to be compatible with the CoreXY technique. For example, two belts can be used to run through stacked pulleys (e.g., 281 , 281 â²) to achieve movements in X and Y directions. In some embodiments, the pulleys located near the corners of the movement system can be placed side by side (either in the X direction or in the Y direction) to reduce the tension in the belts, while at the same time providing a compact structure due to (1) stacked pulleys
281 , 281 â² in the center of the printer, and (2) side-by-side placement of the pulleys that does not intrude into the internal printer space, as opposed to an offset placement along a 45-degree line that is the hallmark of the CoreXY systems.
FIG. 2F shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. In this embodiment, improvements have been made to the movement system such that multiple pulleys (e.g., 267 and 267 â²) can be stacked on top of each other to save space (as was also the case in the embodiment of FIG. 2E ), thereby allowing a more compact design of the printer. In some embodiments, the pulleys located near the corners of the movement system (e.g., 261 and 261 â²) can be stacked as well to achieve a compact design. In some embodiments, the pulleys located near the corners of the movement system (e.g., 261 and 261 â²) can be placed side by side to release some of the tension of the one or more belts. As noted above, the side-by-side arrangement also allows a more compact design of the movement system as compared to a diagonal arrangement of the pulleys in typical CoreXY systems. In this particular embodiment, only ten pulleys are needed in the movement system. A single pulley is positioned close to each of the back corners. Two pulleys are positioned side-by-side near each of the two front corners of the movement system, and two sets of stacked pulleys are positioned in the middle of the movement system.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 2F also includes an extruder carriage 263 assembly that is coupled to the extrusion system, which will be discussed below, and utilizes one or more belts 265 that are placed around the pulleys, as shown in FIG. 2F . As shown in FIG. 2G , the extruder carriage 263 includes an upper portion 268 and a lower portion 269 . The upper portion 268 includes a first wall 281 and a second wall 283 . The first wall 281 and second wall 283 are generally parallel to each other, and are generally parallel to the one or more belts when assembled. The upper portion 268 also includes a middle block 285 located at a distance from the first wall 281 and the second wall 283 . The first wall 281 and the middle block 285 include multiple holes
267 , 267 â² that allow multiple coupling means (such as screws 264 shown in FIG. 2F or pins) to be coupled to the extruder carriage 263 . The screws 264 can be used to allow simple and easy securing and tension adjustment of the one or more belts 265 . The lower portion 269 of the extruder carriage 263 is coupled to the extruder (not shown). In some embodiments, a single belt acts as both the upper belt 265 and the lower belt 265 â² of the movement system that is used in the CoreXY systems. The elimination of the additional belt reduces the cost of manufacturing, and also makes the securing and tension adjustment of the belt much easier. In some embodiments, two separate belts are used as the upper belt 265 and the lower belt 265 â².
The one or more belts are placed around the pulleys and the tension can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws 264 .
FIG. 2H shows an exemplary top view of a movement system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology, and FIG. 2I shows a zoomed-in view of the movement system shown in FIG. 2H . Users can simply adjust the screws 264 on the extruder carriage 263 to secure and/or adjust tension of the belt, without any need to handle any open ends of the belt(s), to ensure precision of the movement system.
FIG. 2C shows exemplary support frames for a base plate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. Two side frames 251 and 253 are included in the printer body to stabilize the base plate 259 . A third frame 255 is also be included as shown. One of the important considerations with any 3D printing system is to reduce the X-Y error in the movement of the print head. In particular, a small deviation (e.g., a fraction of the millimeter) can reduce the quality of the printed object. In this regard, the three
frames
251 , 253 and 255 of FIG. 2C provide structural integrity for platform and stabilize the base plate 201 so that it undergoes minimal trembling and movement as the heat extrusion system 203 travels in the X-Y direction. These frames also play the dual role of separating the heating elements (e.g., a heated build platform such 113 as shown in FIG. 1 and the extrusion system 203 ) from other components, such as motors, belts, and pulleys, to reduce or eliminate undesired heat transfer among the components. For example, the above noted frames reduce or eliminate the flow of heat from the electronic circuits and stepper motors to the main print area at the center of the printer, thereby improving the print quality.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2F , a single frame 287 extends across the base plate to provide structural support for the base plate. The frame 287 can further include vents 288 for accommodating two exhaust fans that allow proper ventilation of the printing exhaust. Details about the exhaust fans and the ventilation system will be discussed in further detail in connection with FIGS. 10-11 below.
Extrusion System
The extrusion system is one of the key components of the 3D printer. FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an exemplary extrusion system 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The extrusion system 300 includes a body, shown as the left half 301 and the right half 303 . A heating block 305 is positioned within the body to heat up the printing material (e.g., the filament) and direct the material to the printing head 307 (e.g., a printing nozzle). To dissipate the heat generated by the heating block 305 , a heat sink or heat dissipater 309 is positioned on top of the heating block 305 . Additional fans, such as a front cooling fan 311 or side cooling fan(s) 313 , can be included to allow more efficient cooling of the extrusion system 300 .
FIG. 3B shows another exploded view of another exemplary extrusion system 320 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. The extrusion system 320 includes a body, shown as the left half 321 and the right half 323 . A heating block 325 is positioned within the body to heat up the printing material (e.g., the filament) and direct the material to the printing nozzle 327 . A heat break 326 is coupled to the heating block 235 to reduce the amount heat passed from the heating block 325 to other components of the printer. The heat break 326 includes a first end 322 , a second end 322 â², and a center 324 . The first end 322 and the second end 322 â² have a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the center 324 so that the heat break 236 can effectively reduce the amount of transferred heat. In some embodiments, the heat break 326 and the heating block 325 form a single integrated component. To dissipate the heat generated by the heating block 325 , a heat sink or heat dissipater 329 is positioned on top of the heat break 326 . Additional fans, such as a front cooling fan 331 or side cooling fan(s) 333 , can be included to allow more efficient cooling of the extrusion system 320 . In this embodiment, the heating block 325 includes one or more holes so that it can be coupled to a heating element and a temperature sensor, which will be discussed in connection with FIGS. 5-7B .
When the 3D printer initially starts, the extrusion system 300 is ignorant about its own location with respect to other components of the system. By implementing various calibration mechanisms, the extrusion system 300 can re-position itself to a known location to facilitate subsequent printing.
For example, the extrusion system 300 can include a sensor board 315 (as shown in FIG. 3A ) that holds a calibration sensor as one of its calibration mechanisms. In some embodiments, the calibration sensor is a contact sensor. The calibration sensor can be an electromagnetic energy sensor (e.g., an infrared (IR) sensor) in some implementations. The calibration sensor emits an electromagnetic beam (e.g., an infrared beam) towards the build platform positioned below the extrusion system 300 and receives a reflected signal from it.
Based on the received signal, the calibration sensor can calculate the distance from the extrusion system 300 , more specifically, the tip of the printing nozzle 307 , to the build platform. The extrusion system 300 , therefore, can move along the Z direction so that the tip of the printing nozzle 307 reaches a desired initial position.
In some embodiments, the extrusion system 300 can perform, based on the results from the calibration sensor, auto-adjustment of the movement in the Z direction. For example, the calibration sensor can detect distances between the extrusion system and the build platform at different locations before the printing starts. Based on the measured distances, the movement of the extrusion system 300 along the Z direction can be adjusted to account for the unevenness of the build platform.
In some embodiments, the calibration sensor also senses the rotation of the extrusion system 300 in relation to the base plate to perform auto-leveling. In some embodiments, however, mechanical leveling of the extrusion system 300 is used and calibration sensor may not perform rotational sensing.
Manufacturing of the parts of the extrusion system can introduce imprecision and make it difficult to limit calibration error to a small range. For example, relying on the calibration sensor alone, it is difficult to constrain the calibration error within a 0.1 mm range. For a portable printer having a relatively limited printing area, even a small calibration error may have an adverse effect on the final printing products. Therefore, additional calibration mechanisms can be used in some implementations as a fine-tuning step to achieve a higher precision in print quality.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration for a calibration mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology. In this configuration, the build platform 401 has a fiducial marker 403 (e.g., a metallic piece, a small screw, or the like) incorpo
CLAIMS
Claims ( 30 )
What is claimed is:
1. A portable three-dimensional, 3D, printer, comprising:
a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine;
the print engine including an extrusion system that comprises a heating block, the heating block including:
a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material,
a heating body positioned below the top portion, wherein the heating body is coupled to a heating element operable to supply heat to the heating body and heat up the printing material, the heating body further coupled to a temperature sensor operable to sense a temperature of the heating body, and
a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body, the heat break portion having a first end in contact with the top portion, a second end in contact with the heating body, and a center, wherein each end has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the center to reduce heat transfer from the heating body to other components of the 3D printer;
a movement system that comprises:
an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system,
multiple pulleys, each positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, wherein at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system, and
one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage;
a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system; and
a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform, wherein the printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer, wherein the extrusion system includes a calibration sensor positioned to obtain a distance between the extrusion system and the build platform and is configured to detect a rotational movement of the extrusion system in relation to the build plate.
2. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , where extrusion system comprises a printing head positioned to facilitate extrusion of the printing material onto the build platform, the print head having a cross-sectional area that further reduces heat transfer from the heating block to the build platform.
3. The portable 3D printer of claim 2 , wherein the cross-sectional area of the printing head is 30%-40% of a heated area of the heating block.
4. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the extrusion system comprises a removable printing head coupled to the heating body, the removable printing head positioned to receive the heated printing material from the heating body and direct the printing material to the build platform.
5. A portable three-dimensional, 3D, printer of claim 1 , comprising:
a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine;
the print engine including an extrusion system that comprises a heating block, the heating block including:
a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material,
a heating body positioned below the top portion, wherein the heating body is coupled to a heating element operable to supply heat to the heating body and heat up the printing material, the heating body further coupled to a temperature sensor operable to sense a temperature of the heating body, and
a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body, the heat break portion having a first end in contact with the top portion, a second end in contact with the heating body, and a center, wherein each end has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the center to reduce heat transfer from the heating body to other components of the 3D printer;
a movement system that comprises:
an extruder carriage positioned to carry the extrusion system,
multiple pulleys, each positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, wherein at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system, and
one or more belts in contact with each of the multiple pulleys and with the extruder carriage to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage;
a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system; and
a printer body that encloses the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform, wherein the printer body includes an aperture to allow access to an internal space of the 3D printer, wherein the movement system includes only ten pulleys, and wherein a first pulley and a second pulley are stacked on top of each other, and a third pulley and a fourth pulley are stacked on top of each other.
6. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the movement system includes:
a first pulley and a second pulley stacked on top of each other and movable within the internal space of the 3D printer;
a third pulley and a fourth pulley stacked on top of each other and movable within the internal space of the 3D printer;
a fifth pulley and a sixth pulley placed side-by-side in a first corner within the internal space of the 3D printer, the fifth and the sixth pulleys positioned with respect to each other with either an offset in an X-direction in a horizontal plane or an offset in a Y-direction in the horizontal plane but not having an offset in both X- and Y-directions; and
a seventh pulley and an eighth pulley placed side-by-side in a second corner within the internal space of the 3D printer, the seventh and the eighth pulleys positioned with respect to each other with either an offset in the X-direction in the horizontal plane or an offset in the Y-direction in the horizontal plane but not having an offset in both X- and Y-directions.
7. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the build platform includes:
a build plate including one or more holes positioned in proximity to a center of the build plate,
a platform base located beneath the build plate, and
one or more coupling means that pass though the one or more holes of the build plate to secure the build plate to the platform base.
8. The portable 3D printer of claim 7 , wherein the build plate comprises:
a bottom layer including a heating element operable to heat up the build plate,
a middle layer positioned on the bottom layer to provide structural support for the build plate, and
a top layer configured to provide a smooth printing surface.
9. The portable 3D printer of claim 7 , wherein the build platform further comprises:
a leveling adapter positioned under the build plate, the leveling adapter including multiple leveling points located in proximity to corners of the leveling adapter; and
multiple leveling knobs coupled to the multiple leveling points of the leveling adapter to allow the build plate to be leveled through the leveling adapter.
10. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the calibration sensor includes a contact sensor or an infrared sensor.
11. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the build platform further comprises:
a fiducial marker on the build plate configured to enable the calibration sensor to obtain the distance, and
three or more leveling motors positioned under and coupled to the build plate, each of the leveling motors configured to receive a signal from the calibration sensor and to adjust the build plate according to the signal.
12. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein the material supply system comprises:
a removable spool of the printing material, and
a cover positioned to secure the removable spool to the 3D printer.
13. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , further comprising:
a ventilation system positioned at a side of the printer body to ventilate printing exhaust from the extrusion system, the ventilation system including a plurality of fans wherein two of the plurality of fans are positioned symmetrically with respect to a center line of the portable 3D printer to improve stability, and a removable filter assembly configured to accommodate a filter for filtering the printing exhaust from the plurality of fans.
14. The portable 3D printer of claim 1 , wherein a total volume of space occupied by the portable 3D printer is approximately 1000 cubic inches, and a usable area of the build platform for printing 3D objects is approximately 5 inches by 5 inches.
15. A portable three-dimensional, 3D, printer, comprising:
a material supply system including a spool or a cartridge to supply printing material to a print engine;
the print engine including an extrusion system positioned to receive the printing material from the material supply system;
a movement system that comprises:
one or more belts,
multiple pulleys in contact with the one or more belts, each pulley positioned to rotate around a vertical axis, wherein at least two of the multiple pulleys are stacked on top of one another to allow a compact design of the movement system; and
an extruder carriage in contact with the one or more belts, wherein the extruder carriage is positioned to carry the extrusion system and comprises an upper portion in contact with the one or more belts to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage and a lower portion coupled to the extrusion system, the upper portion including a first wall generally parallel to the one or more belts, a second wall generally parallel to the first wall, a center portion located between the first wall and the second wall and spaced apart from the first wall and the second wall, and one or more coupling means that can adjustably pass through at least a section of the extruder carriage to make contact with a section of the one or more belts and to allow a tension adjustment of the one or more belts;
a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system; and
a printer body positioned to enclose the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform, wherein the printer body includes a movable door to allow access to the build platform.
16. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the one or more coupling means are configured to pass through the first wall and the center portion before making contact with the one or more belts and pressing the one or more belts against the second wall.
17. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the first wall includes four openings configured to allow the coupling means to pass therethrough.
18. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the extrusion system comprises a heating block, the heating block including:
a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material,
a heating body positioned below the top portion, wherein the heating body is coupled to a heating element configured to heat up the printing material and to a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the heating body, and
a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body, the heat break portion in contact with the top portion and with the heating body, wherein the heat break portion has different cross-sectional areas along a longitudinal direction with larger cross-sectional areas at two ends of the heat break portion that contact the top portion and the heating body relative to a smaller cross-sectional area at a center of the heat break portion along the longitudinal direction.
19. The portable 3D printer of claim 18 , wherein the extrusion system comprises a removable printing head that is removably coupled to the heating body, the removable printing head positioned to receive the heated printing material from the heating body and to direct the printing material to the build platform.
20. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the build platform includes:
a build plate including:
a bottom layer including a heating element configure to supply heat to the build plate,
a middle layer positioned on the bottom layer to provide structural support for the build plate,
a top layer configured to provide a smooth printing surface; and
one or more holes positioned in proximity to a center of the build plate,
a platform base located beneath the build plate, and
one or more coupling means that pass though the one or more holes in proximity to the center of the build plate to secure the build plate to the platform base, wherein one or more edges of the middle layer are spaced apart from a boundary of a frame that surrounds the build plate to prevent warping of the middle layer upon an expansion of the middle layer due to application of heat.
21. The portable 3D printer of claim 20 , wherein the middle layer includes an aluminum layer, and the top layer includes polyetherimide.
22. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the extrusion system includes a calibration sensor positioned to obtain a distance between the extrusion system and the build platform, the calibration sensor including an infrared sensor configured to detect an infrared light and produce electrical signals in response thereto,
the calibration system further including a processor and a memory including processor executable code, the processor executable code, when executed by the processor configures the processor to calculate a distance between the extrusion system and the build platform based at least on the electrical signals produced by the infrared sensor.
23. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein the material supply system comprises:
a removable spool of the printing material, and
a cover positioned to secure the removable spool to the 3D printer, wherein the removable spool is accommodated in an opening within an internal space of the portable 3D printer such that upon insertion of the removable spool into the opening and placement of the cover, an external surface of the cover is flush with surrounding surfaces of an exterior of the portable 3D printer.
24. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , further comprising:
a ventilation system positioned at a side of the printer body to remote printing exhaust from an internal space of the portable 3D printer to an outside environment, the ventilation system including two fans positioned symmetrically around a center line of the portable 3D printer, and separated from at least some components in the internal space of the portable 3D printer by a plate disposed at across the internal space of the 3D printer, the ventilation system further including a removable filter assembly facing the outside environment and configured to accommodate a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
25. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , wherein a total volume of space occupied by the portable 3D printer is approximately 1000 cubic inches, and a usable area of the build platform for printing 3D objects is approximately 5 inches by 5 inches.
26. The portable 3D printer of claim 15 , comprising a single base plate, wherein all components of the movement system are attachable to the single base plate.
27. The portable 3D printer of claim 26 , wherein all components of the movement system are formed as sub-assemblies and are attached to the base plate by six or fewer attachment means.
28. The portable 3D printer of claim 27 , wherein all components of the movement system are attached to the base plate by only four fastening means.
29. The portable 3D printer of claim 5 , wherein the extrusion system comprises a removable printing head coupled to the heating body, the removable printing head positioned to receive the heated printing material from the heating body and direct the printing material to the build platform.
30. The portable 3D printer of claim 5 , further including a ventilation system positioned at a side of the printer body to ventilate printing exhaust from the extrusion system, the ventilation system including a plurality of fans, wherein two of the plurality of fans are positioned symmetrically with respect to a center line of the portable 3D printer to improve stability, and a removable filter assembly configured to accommodate a filter for filtering the printing exhaust from the plurality of fans.
US15/951,031
2017-04-11
2018-04-11
Portable 3D printer
Expired - Fee Related
US10300651B2
( en )
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US15/951,031
US10300651B2
( en )
2017-04-11
2018-04-11
Portable 3D printer
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US201762484271P
2017-04-11
2017-04-11
US201762560105P
2017-09-18
2017-09-18
US201762589349P
2017-11-21
2017-11-21
US15/951,031
US10300651B2
( en )
2017-04-11
2018-04-11
Portable 3D printer
Publications (2)
Publication Number
Publication Date
US20180290365A1
US20180290365A1 ( en )
2018-10-11
US10300651B2
true
US10300651B2 ( en )
2019-05-28
Family
ID=63710620
Family Applications (1)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US15/951,031
Expired - Fee Related
US10300651B2
( en )
2017-04-11
2018-04-11
Portable 3D printer
Country Status (3)
Country
Link
US
( 1 )
US10300651B2
( en )
CN
( 1 )
CN212266695U
( en )
WO
( 1 )
WO2018191419A1
( en )
Cited By (5)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
USD864262S1
( en )
*
2018-04-24
2019-10-22
Innosun Llc
Three-dimensional (3d) printing system and associated pen
USD871463S1
( en )
*
2018-08-02
2019-12-31
Jiangsu Wiiboox Technology Co., Ltd.
3D printer
TWI686288B
( en )
*
2019-06-03
2020-03-01
é¾è¯ç§æ大å¸
Three dimensional printer with correction mechanism
US20230407947A1
( en )
*
2021-11-10
2023-12-21
Shenzhen Tuozhu Technology Co., Ltd.
Timing belt tensioner for 3d printer and 3d printer
US12128620B2
( en )
2020-11-16
2024-10-29
Craitor, Inc.
Portable, ruggedized and easy to use 3D printing system
Families Citing this family (30)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US10515461B2
( en )
*
2017-07-17
2019-12-24
Purdue Research Foundation
Referencing system
US11760001B2
( en )
2019-03-29
2023-09-19
Stratasys, Inc.
Filament supply with sealed connector for use with a 3D printer
US11980965B2
( en )
*
2019-04-23
2024-05-14
General Electric Company
Systems and methods for multi-laser head alignment in additive manufacturing systems
CN110039772A
( en )
*
2019-04-25
2019-07-23
å®æ³¢æ±å ä¸ç»´ç§ææéå ¬å¸
A kind of easily disassembled portable 3D printer
IT201900009828A1
( en )
*
2019-06-21
2020-12-21
Roboze Spa
COOLED EXTRUDER FIXABLE TO A PRINT CARRIAGE OF A FAST PROTOTYPING MACHINE WITH FILLER MATERIAL WIRE
US20220143912A1
( en )
*
2019-08-02
2022-05-12
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Build unit with a heater
KR102306282B1
( en )
*
2019-08-27
2021-09-30
ìê´ëíêµì°ííë ¥ë¨
Artificial vascular scaffold with multi-layer tubular using 3D bioprinting and fabricating device and fabricating method thereof
CN110884128B
( en )
*
2019-10-18
2024-05-03
æ·±å³å¸æ·æ³°ææ¯æéå ¬å¸
Double-head feeding automatic switching printing device
IT201900020272A1
( en )
*
2019-11-04
2021-05-04
Roboze Spa
CALIBRATION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC ZEROING OF THE ACTUAL VERTICAL COORDINATE Z CORRESPONDING TO THE TIP OF A 3D PRINTER EXTRUDER.
KR102416502B1
( en )
*
2020-01-03
2022-07-29
주ìíì¬ ìëì¸
Foldable 3D printer
US11260449B2
( en )
*
2020-03-03
2022-03-01
Xerox Corporation
Three-dimensional printing system and method of three-dimensional printing
USD975759S1
( en )
*
2020-04-24
2023-01-17
E3D-Online Limited
Extruder for a 3D printer
DE102020113012B4
( en )
*
2020-05-13
2024-02-15
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung eingetragener Verein
Processing unit for laser deposition welding with a feed device for feeding an additional welding element
CN111745966B
( en )
*
2020-07-06
2022-05-24
æ·±å³å¸å¯æºççµåç§ææéå ¬å¸
Prevent stifled carbon fiber 3D and print
USD955471S1
( en )
*
2020-09-22
2022-06-21
Shenzhen Mingda Technology Co., Ltd.
3D printer extruder
CN112829288A
( en )
*
2020-12-22
2021-05-25
å®å¾½çæ¥è°·3Dæå°æºè½è£ å¤äº§ä¸ææ¯ç 究é¢æéå ¬å¸
An automatic leveling support device for 3D printing
CN112571794A
( en )
*
2020-12-30
2021-03-30
广å·è¿æ®åçå»å¦ç§æè¡ä»½æéå ¬å¸
3D print head needle point positioner and have its 3D print head
US20220288859A1
( en )
*
2021-03-11
2022-09-15
Stratasys, Inc.
Filament monitoring system and method
CN216885232U
( en )
*
2021-12-15
2022-07-05
æ·±å³å¸å¼ç©ä¸ç»´ç§ææéå ¬å¸
A transfer mechanism for 3D printers
CN114801178B
( en )
*
2022-05-18
2023-07-25
马éå±±åå °æºé ç§ææéå ¬å¸
A multi-color bus material feeding device for 3D printing
US12496776B2
( en )
*
2022-08-09
2025-12-16
Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System
Fused filament fabrication print head system
IT202200020223A1
( en )
*
2022-09-30
2024-03-30
Roboze Spa
MULTI EXTRUDER DEPOSITION PROCESS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD.
CN115519786B
( en )
*
2022-10-14
2025-04-22
ä¸å½ç¿ä¸å¤§å¦
3D printing equipment and method for absorbable bone implants
US12570047B2
( en )
*
2023-02-21
2026-03-10
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Apparatus for additively manufacturing an article at high temperatures, related tools, and related methods
US20240391175A1
( en )
*
2023-05-23
2024-11-28
Stratasys, Inc.
3d printer status and health monitoring with illuminated status display indicator
EP4480677A1
( en )
*
2023-06-23
2024-12-25
Technická Univerzita V Kosiciach
Biomedic laminar flow box
CN117140951B
( en )
*
2023-10-30
2024-05-07
å±±ä¸ä¸æ §æºè½ç§ææéå ¬å¸
Automatic leveling device of 3D printer
CN121625449A
( en )
*
2024-08-31
2026-03-10
æ·±å³æ竹ç§ææéå ¬å¸
Material hopper, 3D printing feeding device and 3D printing equipment
CN118832857B
( en )
*
2024-09-23
2024-12-20
åéçå·¥å¦é¢
Selective intermittent feeding device for continuous carbon fiber 3D printing
CN119238958B
( en )
*
2024-11-22
2025-05-30
æ²³åæ¿æ³èä¸å¦é¢(æ²³åæ¿æ³ç®¡çå¹²é¨å¦é¢)
Leveling device of 3D printing equipment and 3D printing equipment
Citations (63)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US4319794A
( en )
1979-05-17
1982-03-16
Paul Hettich & Co.
Cabinet with a detachable door
USD298943S
( en )
1985-02-11
1988-12-13
International Business Machines Corp.
Channel extender for data processing system
USD311177S
( en )
1989-06-27
1990-10-09
PMST Ltd.
Computer enclosure
USD341827S
( en )
1991-07-19
1993-11-30
Everex Systems, Inc.
Computer file server
US5939008A
( en )
*
1998-01-26
1999-08-17
Stratasys, Inc.
Rapid prototyping apparatus
USD432160S
( en )
1998-12-18
2000-10-17
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Electronic copying machine
USD458911S1
( en )
2001-08-23
2002-06-18
Sony Corporation
Combined monitor television receiver, video camera and speaker box
USD461187S1
( en )
2000-11-22
2002-08-06
Apple Computer, Inc.
Computing device
US20040104515A1
( en )
*
1999-06-23
2004-06-03
Stratasys, Inc.
High-Temperature modeling method
USD506465S1
( en )
2003-04-04
2005-06-21
Idot Computers, Inc.
Computer case
USD508491S1
( en )
2004-06-28
2005-08-16
Lite-On Technology Corporation
Computer host
USD514556S1
( en )
2004-05-28
2006-02-07
Rising Benjamin A
Computer housing
USD523897S1
( en )
2003-11-07
2006-06-27
Olympus Corporation
Printer
USD526640S1
( en )
2005-05-06
2006-08-15
Enlight Corporation
Amplifier
US7204684B2
( en )
2000-09-26
2007-04-17
Ingo Ederer
Interchangeable container
USD577743S1
( en )
2008-02-27
2008-09-30
Keng-Yuan Liu
Dice-shaped MP3 player having night lights
USD580952S1
( en )
2007-09-17
2008-11-18
Keng-Yuan Liu
MP3 player
USD598906S1
( en )
2006-12-01
2009-08-25
Nec Corporation
Wireless communication terminal
USD602019S1
( en )
2007-10-23
2009-10-13
Fih (Hong Kong) Limited
Network storage device
USD623136S1
( en )
2008-06-05
2010-09-07
Apple Inc.
Power module
USD629827S1
( en )
2010-01-06
2010-12-28
Evolution Robotics
Projector assembly
US7938356B2
( en )
*
2008-10-22
2011-05-10
Stratasys, Inc.
Filament spool
USD646148S1
( en )
2010-12-02
2011-10-04
Hampton Products International Corporation
Padlock bumpers
USD648186S1
( en )
2010-06-25
2011-11-08
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Dispenser
USD649148S1
( en )
2010-02-01
2011-11-22
Dane-Elec Memory
Data processing equipment
US8318076B2
( en )
2010-06-15
2012-11-27
3D Systems, Inc.
Selective deposition modeling methods for improved support-object interface
USD677723S1
( en )
2012-09-18
2013-03-12
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Three-dimensional printer frame
USD681548S1
( en )
2010-07-22
2013-05-07
Solar Tech USA, Inc.
Power cube
USD690280S1
( en )
2012-01-09
2013-09-24
Imation Corp.
Combined audio player and speaker
US20130327917A1
( en )
*
2012-06-08
2013-12-12
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Build platform leveling with tactile feedback
USD698869S1
( en )
2012-06-28
2014-02-04
Game Technologies S.A.
Cube
US20140043630A1
( en )
2012-08-08
2014-02-13
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Displays for three-dimensional printers
USD711463S1
( en )
2013-02-18
2014-08-19
Dws S.R.L.
Stereolithography machine
USD722053S1
( en )
2012-12-31
2015-02-03
iSmart Alarm, Inc.
Control hub
US20150108687A1
( en )
*
2013-10-21
2015-04-23
Made In Space, Inc.
Manufacturing in Microgravity and Varying External Force Environments
USD729309S1
( en )
2013-04-12
2015-05-12
Pirate3Dp Pte. Ltd.
Three-dimensional printer
CN204322532U
( en )
2014-12-05
2015-05-13
æ¹åçç¿åº¦ç§ææéå ¬å¸
A kind of tension on belt structure for 3D printer
US20150140150A1
( en )
2013-11-15
2015-05-21
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Three-dimensional printer tool systems
US20150165687A1
( en )
2013-12-12
2015-06-18
Xyzprinting, Inc.
Heating platform and 3d printing apparatus
USD732588S1
( en )
2015-01-05
2015-06-23
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD732587S1
( en )
2014-11-13
2015-06-23
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD733196S1
( en )
2014-02-03
2015-06-30
Wolf And Associates, Inc.
3D printer enclosure
USD734814S1
( en )
2013-08-23
2015-07-21
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD735267S1
( en )
2014-02-12
2015-07-28
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Multifunction printer
USD736838S1
( en )
2013-12-20
2015-08-18
Maurizio Ettore Costabeber
Stereolithography machine
USD739885S1
( en )
2014-05-30
2015-09-29
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD740863S1
( en )
2014-01-05
2015-10-13
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Three-dimensional printer frame
US20150290861A1
( en )
*
2014-04-11
2015-10-15
Brian L. Douglass
Retracting extruder barrel with cooling features
USD742439S1
( en )
2013-03-15
2015-11-03
Arburg Gmbh + Co. Kg
Device for producing three-dimensional articles
USD745903S1
( en )
2013-10-10
2015-12-22
Michael Daniel Armani
Three-dimensional printer frame
US20160031159A1
( en )
*
2014-07-29
2016-02-04
Nscrypt, Inc.
Method and apparatus for 3d fabrication
USD749153S1
( en )
2014-01-05
2016-02-09
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Three-dimensional printer frame
USD752661S1
( en )
2014-01-05
2016-03-29
Makerbot Industries, Llc
Three-dimensional printer frame
USD757132S1
( en )
2015-01-04
2016-05-24
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD760825S1
( en )
2015-03-25
2016-07-05
Biobots, Inc.
Bioprinter
US20160193778A1
( en )
2015-01-05
2016-07-07
Xyzprinting, Inc.
Three-dimensional printing head
USD763330S1
( en )
2015-02-27
2016-08-09
Natural Machines, Inc.
Three dimensional printer
US20160236407A1
( en )
2015-02-17
2016-08-18
Michael Daniel Armani
3d printer
USD770545S1
( en )
2014-06-02
2016-11-01
Natural Machines, Inc.
Three-dimensional printer
USD771164S1
( en )
2014-11-21
2016-11-08
Sina Noorazar
Printer for printing 3-dimensional objects
USD777808S1
( en )
2016-01-05
2017-01-31
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD787574S1
( en )
2016-05-31
2017-05-23
Xyzprinting, Inc.
3D printer
USD826296S1
( en )
2017-04-11
2018-08-21
Innosun Llc
Printer for printing three-dimensional objects
2018
2018-04-11
US
US15/951,031
patent/US10300651B2/en
not_active
Expired - Fee Related
2018-04-11
CN
CN201890000930.9U
patent/CN212266695U/en
not_active
Expired - Fee Related
2018-04-11
WO
PCT/US2018/027171
patent/WO2018191419A1/en
not_active
Ceased
Patent Citations (64)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US4319794A
( en )
1979-05-17
1982-03-16
Paul Hettich & Co.
Cabinet with a detachable door
USD298943S
( en )
1985-02-11
1988-12-13
International Business Machines Corp.
Channel extender for data processing system
USD311177S
( en )
1989-06-27
1990-10-09
PMST Ltd.
Computer enclosure
USD341827S
( en )
1991-07-19
1993-11-30
Everex Systems, Inc.
Computer file server
US5939008A
( en )
*
1998-01-26
1999-08-17
Stratasys, Inc.
Rapid prototyping apparatus
USD432160S
( en )
1998-12-18
2000-10-17
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Electronic copying machine
US7297304B2
( en )