Z Corporation

3d Systems, Inc.

Thomas Davidson

James F Bredt

David B Russell

Joshua P Kinsley

Robert Anthony Phillips

Walter Henry Zengerle, Iii

Derek X Williams

Andrew Berlin

Eugene Giller

Benjamin Daniel Sweet-Block

Kevin Roche

Darul Kisai

Andres Tomas Hernandez

Andres T Hernandes

Jennifer Sanchez

Robert Villegas

Benjamin Barrington

Walter H Zengerle Iii

Diego Torres

A method of controlling the flow of unbound powder in a build chamber. A build surface for receiving the powder is provided, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate. A vacuum source is provided below the build surface.

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

A build chamber for use in a three-dimensional printer and adapted for receiving powder for producing three-dimensional objects. The build chamber includes a build surface for receiving the powder, with the build surface including a first plate defining holes and a second plate defining a plurality of openings spaced apart and offset from the plurality of holes in the first plate. The second plate is disposed below and spaced from the first plate.

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.

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Arlington, MA, United States of America

Thomas Davidson