Three-dimensional printer

US7037382B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Z-Firm, LLC · US

Inventors

• Thomas Davidson · Austin, US
• Robert A. Phillips · Acton, US
• Andres T. Hernandes · San Antonio, US
• David B. Russell · Southborough, US
• Kevin Roche · Lowell, US
• Walter H. Zengerle, III · Dedham, US
• Andrew Berlin · San Jose, US
• Joshua P. Kinsley · Arlington, US
• Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block · Cambridge, US
• Darul Kisai · Kuala Lumpur, MY

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2002
• Grant date: May 2, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41J2/16541
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.