Apparatus, method, and system for tensioning release films for 3D printers
AssigneeJaymi Lee Gomez
InventorJaymi Lee Gomez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus for tensioning release film used with resin 3D printers are disclosed. A top and a bottom bracket with a release film positioned between them is removed from a resin vat. The old release film between the brackets is replaced with a new release film. The new release film is positioned between the top and bottom brackets and the top and bottom brackets and release film are positioned in a bottom insert. A top insert is applied to the bottom insert, top and bottom brackets, and release film, providing a tension to the release film. While under tension, the release film is secured to the top and bottom brackets. The top and bottom brackets and release film are returned to the vat.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- a first insert including:
- a first portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first portion defining a perimeter of the first insert;
- a second portion disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the first portion;
- and
- a third portion in contact with the second portion and defining an opening of the first insert, the third portion extending away from the first and second portions;
- a first plurality of fastener guide holes defined by the first and second portions, wherein the first plurality of fastener guide holes extends through the first and second portions;
- a first bracket;
- a second bracket;
- and
- a second insert configured to receive the first and the second brackets;
- wherein the first and the second brackets are configured to receive a release film, and wherein the third portion of the first insert is configured to contact and provide a tension to the release film while the first and the second brackets are positioned in the second insert, and wherein the second insert defines a second plurality of fastener guide holes.
A resin three-dimensional (3D) printer apparatus comprising:
- a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) sheet;
- a first insert including:
- a first portion defining a perimeter of the first insert and including a first pair of diametrically opposing ends;
- a second portion in contact with the first portion and including a second pair of diametrically opposing ends;
- and
- a third portion in contact with the second portion and defining an opening of the first insert, the third portion including a third pair of diametrically opposing ends and extending away from the first and second portions;
- wherein the first portion and the second portion define a first set of fastener guide holes;
- and
- wherein the first, second, and third pairs of diametrically opposing ends form a staircase shape;
- a first bracket;
- a second bracket;
- and
- a second insert configured to receive the first and the second brackets;
- wherein the first and the second brackets are configured to receive the FEP sheet, and wherein the third portion of the first insert is configured to contact and provide a tension to the FEP sheet while the first and the second brackets are positioned in the second insert, and wherein the second insert defines a second set of fastener guide holes.
A method of using a resin 3D printer apparatus, the method comprising:
- positioning a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) sheet between a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket, the second bracket, and the FEP sheet are subsequently positioned in a bottom insert;
- applying a top insert to the bottom insert, the first bracket, the second bracket, and the FEP sheet, wherein the top insert includes:
- a first portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first portion defining a perimeter of the top insert;
- a second portion disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the first portion;
- and
- a third portion in contact with the second portion and defining an opening of the top insert, the third portion extending away from the first and second portions;
- wherein the first portion and the second portion define a first set of fastener guide holes and the bottom insert defines a second set of fastener guide holes, and wherein the third portion is configured to provide a tension to the FEP sheet;
- and
- securing the FEP sheet between the first bracket and the second bracket while the FEP sheet is under tension.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.