Extrusion printheads for three-dimensional object printers

US10625466B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Xerox Corporation · US

Inventors

• Barry P. Mandel · Fairport, US
• David A. Mantell · Rochester, US
• Peter J. Nystrom · Webster, US
• Andrew W. Hays · Fairport, US
• Mark A. Cellura · Webster, US
• Jun Ma · 流花街道, CN
• Gary D. Redding · Victor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 8, 2015
• Grant date: Apr 21, 2020
• Expiry date: May 29, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y30/00
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-nozzle extrusion printhead includes a chamber with an inlet to receive an extrusion material and a plurality of outlets fluidly coupled to the chamber. The printhead also includes a plurality of valves that control flow of extrusion material through the fluid outlets to nozzles in the printhead. Each valve includes a member and an electromechanical actuator configured to move the member to a first position to block a flow of the extrusion material through one of the fluid outlets and nozzles and to a second position to enable the flow of the extrusion material through the fluid outlet and nozzles.