Stratasys, Inc.

Kyra Elizabeth Neal

Bryan Migliori

Patrick Williams Anderson

Benjamin L Braton

Colin Adam Schiel

An extrusion-based 3D printer configured to print 3D parts in a layer-by-layer manner includes a heated build chamber, a build platen within the chamber and at least one print head configured to extrude material onto the build platen or previously extruded material wherein the at least one print head is configured to move in a print plane. The 3D printer includes at least one air intake and exhaust system that includes ductwork having an inlet configured to intake air from the build chamber and an outlet configured to exhaust air into the build chamber proximate the build plane, a fan proximate the inlet and configured to draw air into the ductwork through the inlet and propel the air towards the outlet, a heater proximate the outlet, the heater configured to heat the air as the air passes the heater and a perforated diffuser plate between the fan and the heater.

3D printer with increased uniformity of build chamber temperature

A build chamber for a 3D printer includes a heated build space in an interior of the build chamber and a thermal isolator configured to insulate 3D printer components from the heated build space. The thermal isolator includes a first baffle section and a second baffle section. Each of the first baffle section and the second baffle section includes an accordion-pleated panel having a length, a width, a first end and a second end, wherein the panel comprises a parallel alternating top folds and bottom folds along the width forming a series of pleats, and each pleat within the series being configured to expand and contract, and wherein the panel is constructed of a heat-resistant material. Each baffle section also includes support rods affixed to the accordion-pleated panel in parallel to the pleats and at intervals along the length of the panel, the support rods substantially spanning the width of the panel. Ends of the support rods rest on surfaces proximate a ceiling of the build chamber to support the first and second baffle sections wherein the support rods are configured to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the panel to substantially prevent the panel from sagging or buckling as the panel is expanded and contracted along its length.

Growing community of inventors

Crystal, MN, United States of America

Kyra Elizabeth Neal