Reusable build surface for 3d printed objects
AssigneeToybox Labs, LLC
InventorBenjamin Baltes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
One embodiment of the invention may relate to a print surface for a three-dimensional object printer. The print surface may comprise an elastic first layer, a binding layer for securing the printing surface to the three-dimensional object printer; and an adhesive layer for adhering the first layer to the binding layer. Three-dimensional objects are printed onto the first layer by controlled extrusion of molten material. Printed objects can be obtained by decoupling the binding layer from the three-dimensional object printer and detaching the object from the first layer by applying bending moments.
Claims20
A printing surface for a three-dimensional object printer, the printing surface comprising:
- a first layer comprising an elastic material;
- a binding layer for securing the printing surface to the three-dimensional object printer;
- and
- an adhesive layer for adhering the first layer to the binding layer, wherein three-dimensional objects are printed onto the first layer.
A 3D printer comprising:
- a build base;
- an extrusion nozzle;
- and
- a printing surface removably coupled to the build base, wherein the printing surface comprises a flex layer, a binding layer, and an adhesive layer connecting the flex layer to the binding layer, and wherein molten material is extruded onto a surface of the flex layer during a print phase.
A method for printing a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the method comprising:
- a) securing a pliable build surface to a rigid structure of a printing apparatus using a binding mechanism of the pliable build surface;
- b) ejecting molten material through a nozzle of the printing apparatus;
- c) accumulating the molten material onto the pliable build surface to extrude a three-dimensional object in the plurality of three-dimensional objects;
- d) unbinding the pliable build surface from the rigid structure of the printing apparatus;
- e) bending the pliable build surface;
- f) detaching the three-dimensionally printed object from the pliable build surface;
- and
- g) repeating steps a through g to print an additional three-dimensional object in the plurality of three-dimensional objects.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.