Automatic tool changer for augmented fused deposition modelling three dimensional (3d) printing
OwnerChristopher John Gibsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automatic tool changing system and method for printing functional three-dimensional (3D) object is disclosed. The system is preferably comprised of an end-effector moveable about the X, Y and Z-axis, the end-effector connecting to various functional heads by means of a dovetail joint. Each functional head is responsible for a different type of functional printing as required by the 3D object, and each functional head is positioned on a docking station for ease of access by the end-effector. The method to print a functional 3D object is comprised of printing a first portion of the object, using the various functional heads to print functional components of the object, and then finishing printing the 3D object.
Claims20
An automatic tool changer system for printing a functional three-dimensional object comprising:
- an end effector constructed and arranged to connect to a plurality of functional heads;
- a plurality of docking stations, each docking station further comprised of a connector to connect to the plurality of functional heads;
- at least one functional head releasably secured to the end effector to print the functional 3D object.
A method to create a functional three-dimensional object, the steps comprising:
- printing a first portion of the 3D object;
- using an end-effector to releasably secure to a first functional head;
- using the first functional head to print functional characteristics of the 3D object;
- and,
- printing a second final portion of the 3D object.
Any invention as may be defined in the above description.
An apparatus with a 3D translation robot;
- an end effector translated by the robot and instrumented with connection means adapted to dock with a functional head;
- a plurality of docking stations with connection means;
- one functional head being the fused deposition extruder head and at least one other head of a different function, these heads instrumented with compatible connection means allowing automatically changing the heads with the end-effector and with the docking station(s).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.