US 10,906,243 B2 · Additive lathe that prints in cylindrical coordinates

Abstract

An additive lathe integrates the advantages of additive manufacturing (also called 3d printing) with the cylindrical motion of a lathe to reduce material waste, print times, and increase creative potential. A post-processing system allows for an improved surface finishing on parts. The additive lathe no longer prints in cartesian (X, Y, Z) coordinates as other 3D printers and instead prints using cylindrical (R, Theta, Z) coordinates. The traditional bed or build plate is replaced with a horizontal cylindrical starter bar, on which 3D printed material is deposited along and around the bar. Essentially, the additive lathe works like a conventional lathe, but in reverse. Instead of taking a cylinder and slowly removing material as the part spins, the additive lathe adds material along and around the bar iteratively building up the part. The finishing mechanism allows for the creation of a smooth outer finish on printed parts while still in the printer.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method for additive printing, comprising:

placing a blank of round stock into a motor rig having a theta axis stepper that controls rotation of the blank around a theta axis;
applying extruder material to the blank under control of a z axis stepper and at least one radial axis stepper that together control movement of an extruder in a z axis direction and a radial axis direction along the blank as the blank is rotated by the theta axis stepper;
and
controlling operation of the theta axis stepper, z axis stepper and at least one radial axis stepper to apply the extruder material to the blank in a cylindrical pattern provided in cylindrical coordinates to create a part.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Additive lathe that prints in cylindrical coordinates

Life of this patent

Additive lathe that prints in cylindrical coordinates

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17