System and method for automated cleaning of parts produced by a three-dimensional object printer
US10391712B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y10/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a cleaning system removes support material from parts made by a three-dimensional printer. The method operates the cleaning system to correlate data for features on a part located within a receptacle with structural data in a file used by the three-dimensional printer to fabricate the part. The method then operates one or more actuators to locate a fluid directing nozzle pneumatically connected to a pressurized fluid source opposite areas containing support material and operates the pressurized fluid source to enable pressurized fluid to be directed by the fluid directing nozzle at the support material. The method includes generating image data of the cleaned areas with an image sensor so the removal of the support material can be confirmed, and if an area is not sufficiently cleaned, the cleaning operation can be repeated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.