Enhanced fused filament multi-color three-dimensional (3D) printing
OwnerChristopher John Gibsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A retractable purging mechanism is preferably comprised of a bracket that is connectable to a 3D printer. An actuatable shaft is secured to the bracket and the shaft engages a rocker arm, which in turn engages a collecting tray and moves the collecting tray from a first position to a second position. The collecting tray is adapted to receive a material that is discarded when, for example, a different print colour is used in 3D printing. A sweeper is also provided, the sweeper connected to the collecting tray to remove the material from the collecting tray.
Claims10
A three-dimensional (3D) printer comprised of a retractable purging apparatus, the retractable purging apparatus comprising:
- a bracket to connect to another portion of the 3D printer;
- an actuatable shaft secured to the bracket;
- a rocker arm attached to the actuatable shaft, the rocker arm pivotable about an axis;
- a collecting tray operatively engaged to the rocker arm to receive excess filament during 3D printing of an object from the 3D printer;
- and,
- a sweeper connected to the collecting tray to remove the excess filament from the collecting tray,
- wherein the excess filament is generated by at least one of:
- priming a flow of filament through the 3D printer;
- effecting a non-printing waiting time of the 3D printer;
- and, changing the filament color or material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.