System and method for moving a rod of build material using a pusher in a 3D printing system
US11097479B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C64/141
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and corresponding method to move a rod of build material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system uses a pusher. The rod of build material has distal and proximal ends relative to an extrusion head. The distal and proximal ends having distal and proximal end surfaces, respectively. The pusher engages with the rod and applies an axial force to at least a portion of the distal end surface of the rod for at least a portion of a path the rod travels toward the extrusion head. The axial force actuates the rod of build material without alteration, such as by shaving, fracturing, or otherwise deforming the rod of build material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.