System for operating extruder heads in three-dimensional object printers
US11104118B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y10/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus changes the temperature of thermoplastic material in an extruder head to reduce the time for producing an object. The apparatus includes a cooling device located near the one or more nozzles of the extruder head to change the temperature of the thermoplastic material extruded by the extruder head. The apparatus cools the thermoplastic material to enhance the formation of exterior object features. A heater can also be positioned near the nozzle zone to heat the thermoplastic material to reduce the time for raising the viscosity of the thermoplastic material for forming interior regions of the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.