Additive manufacturing system with platen having vacuum and air bearing
US11247387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2019 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y40/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hold and release platen system for use in extrusion-based additive manufacturing system includes a platen, a vacuum source and a pressurized air source. The platen has a surface including a plurality of holes therethrough. The vacuum source is configured to provide a vacuum through the plurality of holes, and the pressurized air source is configured to eject pressurized fluid through the plurality of holes. A method includes positioning a sheet substrate on the platen surface; pulling a vacuum through one or more holes in the platen surface to secure the sheet substrate; printing a part on the sheet substrate by moving a print head along a tool path and extruding material in the path; and ejecting pressurized air through the one or more holes to create an air bearing beneath the substrate thereby facilitating removal of the sheet substrate and the printed part from the platen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.