The Ex One Company

Desktop Metal, Inc.

Travis Maxwell Inks

Joseph J Bolt

Michael John McCoy

Anthony S Dugan

Alec Hydock

Jake Flick

Daniel T Brunermer

Thomas Lizzi

Lawrence Joseph Voss

Rick D Lucas

Michael J Orange

Paul P Knor

Kimberly E Kanzler

Michael John Mccoy

Lawrence J Voss

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

The present invention relates to apparatuses for distributing build powder in powder-layer three-dimensional printers () and for the collection of particulates of the build powder that have become suspended in the gaseous atmosphere in the vicinity of the build platform of the three-dimensional printer. These apparatuses include recoaters () that are particularly useful in providing uniform distribution of fine build powder across the width of the build platform or powder bed. The present invention also includes powder-layer three-dimensional printers () which comprise such apparatuses for distributing build powder and/or apparatuses for collecting such suspended particulates. The improved fine powder recoater () uses an ultrasonic transducer () to move powder through a sheet screen (). The sheet screen () may be presented to the powder fed onto it in a narrow dispensing slot to limit the flow rate of powder from the dispenser and to provide control over the amount of powder dispensed. The width of the slot may extend to cover the entire build box fill zone. The ultrasonic transducer () is preferably adapted to periodically sweep through a range of frequencies during operation. The ultrasonic vibration system may be augmented with a low frequency vibration system. The dust collection system () draws air from the perimeter of the build box () down through the deck plate () of the printer () and out of the printer's housing () to an external dust collector ().

Apparatuses are disclosed for three-dimensionally printing reactive materials which utilize a powder spreading step followed by a binder-jet deposition step. Some such apparatuses include a binder jet three-dimensional printing device, a curing device, and a depowdering device contained within an environmental enclosure which provides an inert atmosphere sufficient to allow a reactive material to be used as a build material without fire or explosion hazards. Some such apparatuses include one or more conveying systems for moving a removable build box among the various devices. Environmental enclosures having unique designs and features are disclosed.

Apparatus for three-dimensionally printing reactive materials

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Greensburg, PA, United States of America

Travis Maxwell Inks