Local z print head positioning system in a 3D printer
US12350884B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y40/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 3D printer includes a gantry configured to move in a plane substantially parallel to a x-y build plane and a print head configured to extrude molten material to print a 3D part in a layer-by-layer process. The 3D printer includes a platen configured to support the part being printed in the layer by layer process and positionable with a primary Z positioner along a z-axis substantially normal to the x-y build plane. The 3D printer includes a local Z positioner moved by the gantry, the local Z positioner comprising a linear motor configured to move the print head in the z-direction and having an operable range of motion extending from a nominal build position at which a nozzle of the print head is positioned in the x-y build plane to a raised position above the x-y build plane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.