Three-dimensional printer tool systems
US9238331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2009/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An extruder or other similar tool head of a three-dimensional printer is slidably mounted along a feedpath of build material so that the extruder can move into and out of contact with a build surface according to whether build material is being extruded. The extruder may be spring-biased against the forward feedpath so that the extruder remains above the build surface in the absence of applied forces, and then moves downward into a position for extrusion when build material is fed into the extruder. In another aspect, modular tool heads are disclosed that can be automatically coupled to and removed from the three-dimensional printer by a suitable robotics system. A tool crib may be provided to store multiple tool heads while not in use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.