Z Corporation

3d Systems, Inc.

Andres Tomas Hernandez

Joshua P Kinsley

Andrew Berlin

Walter Henry Zengerle, Iii

David B Russell

Thomas Davidson

William Fienup

Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block

Robert Anthony Phillips

Kevin Roche

Darul Kisai

Dmitriy Katalichenko

Chris Korda

Jennifer Sanchez

Andrew A Berlin

Iii Walter H Zengerle

William James Fienup

Walter H Iii Zengerle

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.

Apparatus and methods for servicing 3D printers

The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer

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.

Three-dimensional printer

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve continuously printing radially about a circular and/or rotating build table using multiple printheads. The apparatus and methods also include optionally using multiple build tables. The auxiliary systems relate to build material supply printhead cleaning diagnostics, and monitoring operation of the apparatus.

Apparatus and methods for 3D printing

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Malden, MA, United States of America

Andres Tomas Hernandez