The Ex One Company

Thomas Lizzi

Anthony S Dugan

Michael John McCoy

Joseph J Bolt

Daniel T Brunermer

Travis Maxwell Inks

Lawrence Joseph Voss

Jesse M Blacker

Andrew P Klein

Alec Hydock

Jake Flick

Howard A Kuhn

Michael R Orner

Thomas G Pasterik

Lawrence J Voss

Michael J Mccoy

Rick Lucas

Jason W Plymer

Douglas P Tuk

Brandon Cary

Richard D Clark

The present invention relates to powder-layer three-dimensional printers () having a discrete supply hopper () and a recoater (). The discrete supply hopper () is configured to transfer a build powder to the recoater () in a manner that enhances the uniformity of build powder layers that are dispensed from the recoater (). In some embodiments, at least one of the discrete supply hopper and the powder hopper of the recoater is adapted to selectively contact the other, seal against the other, and/or have one partially inserted inside the other so as to diminish or prevent powder pluming during the transfer of build powder from the discrete supply hopper to the recoater.

Powder distribution system for three-dimensional printer

Recoaters are described which are adapted for use in powder-layer three-dimensional printers. The recoaters comprise a mesh discharge device that is adapted to be selectively activated by the application of an agitation, e.g. a vibration. Such mesh discharge devices include a planar mesh, i.e. a screen or sieve, which is adapted to support a quantity of powder when the quantity of powder and the mesh are static and to dispense at least a portion of the quantity of powder when at least one of the quantity of powder and the mesh is agitated. Preferably, the mesh is disposed substantially horizontally, but may be disposed at an angle to the horizontal. Also described are powder-layer three-dimensional printers comprising such recoaters. In some embodiments, the powder-layer three-dimensional printers are adapted to space the mesh no more than about two to ten powder layer thicknesses from the top surface of the powder bed or substrate upon which a powder layer is to be deposited.

Selectively activated mesh discharge powder recoater for three-dimensional printing

A three-dimensional printing apparatus is disclosed has one or more troughs for receiving excess deposited particulate. Such troughs may be positioned to receive the excess deposited particulate into a particulate receiving chamber of the trough. An evacuation chamber is located at the bottom of each trough. A partition separates the evacuation chamber from the receiving chamber of the trough. The partition is selectively perforated to permit a desired amount of the particulate to flow into the evacuation chamber from the receiving chamber. The evacuation chamber is connected to a vacuum source to periodically or continuously draw ambient gas from a gas inlet to the evacuation chamber and/or from the receiving chamber through the perforations of the partition and then through the evacuation chamber toward the vacuum source to entrain an amount of the particulate and carry the entrained particulate out of the evacuation chamber.

Three-dimensional printing excess deposited particulate handling

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Harmony, PA, United States of America

Thomas Lizzi