Patent · US Active

Ribbon liquefier for use in extrusion-based digital manufacturing systems

US8439665B2 · kind B2 · utility

59Cited by
43References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 4, 2009
Grant dateMay 14, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 3, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB33Y30/00
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A ribbon liquefier comprising an outer liquefier portion configured to receive thermal energy from a heat transfer component, and a channel at least partially defined by the outer liquefier portion, where the channel has dimensions that are configured to receive the ribbon filament, and where the ribbon liquefier is configured to melt the ribbon filament received in the channel to at least an extrudable state with the received thermal energy to provide a melt flow. The dimensions of the channel are further configured to conform the melt flow from an axially-asymmetric flow to a substantially axially-symmetric flow in an extrusion tip connected to the ribbon liquefier.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.