Additive manufacturing system with extended printing volume, and methods of use thereof
US11020899B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An additive manufacturing system for printing three-dimensional (3D) parts includes a print foundation, a print head, a drive mechanism, and a supporting surface that creates an air bearing for parts under construction as they move through the system. The print head is configured to print a 3D part onto the print foundation in a layer-by-layer manner in a vertical print plane. The drive mechanism is configured to index the print foundation substantially along a horizontal print axis during printing of the 3D part. The support surface is provided by a table extending along the horizontal axis. The table has a plurality of air jets forming an air platen, which generates the air bearing for supporting the 3D part as it is incremented along the print axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.