Three-dimensional printer having an expandable envelope
US9724878B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2009/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith and executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes a three-dimensional printer printing a first layer of an object onto a surface that is not part of the three-dimensional printer, wherein the first layer is printed while a printing platform of the three dimensional printer is in a first position. The printer is autonomously repositioned in a second position elevated above the first position by being supported either on the three-dimensional object itself or on a scaffold printed separate from the object. The printer prints a second layer of the three-dimensional object onto the first layer of the three-dimensional object while the printing platform is in the second position. The printer may have a plurality of legs for controllably repositioning the printing platform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.