Methods and systems for ensuring consistent tensioning of membrane in frame
AssigneeNexa3D Inc.
InventorMamdouh Elsharkawy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tensioning apparatus for manufacturing a membrane assembly for a three-dimensional printer. The tensioning apparatus may include a base portion, an upper portion, and a jig configured to receive a lower frame piece of a membrane assembly. The jig is arranged on the base portion and shaped to receive a lower frame piece of the membrane assembly. The base portion has a number of holes through an upper plate thereof through which air can be evacuated from the tensioning apparatus when a flexible membrane material is being fitted to the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly.
Claims13
A method of manufacturing a membrane assembly for a three-dimensional printer, the method comprising:
- within a tensioning apparatus that includes a base portion, an upper portion, and a jig configured to receive a lower frame piece of the membrane assembly, positioning the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly on the jig and securing a piece of flexible membrane material over the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly by bringing the base portion and upper portion of the tensioning apparatus together with the piece of flexible membrane at least partially between them;
- pulling a vacuum so as to make taught a portion of the flexible membrane material over the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly and, while the vacuum is being pulled, fitting an upper frame piece of the membrane assembly to the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly, securing the portion of the flexible membrane material between the upper and lower frame pieces of the membrane assembly;
- and
- removing the vacuum and trimming excess portions of the flexible membrane material outside a perimeter of the membrane assembly.
A tensioning apparatus for manufacturing a membrane assembly for a three-dimensional printer, the tensioning apparatus comprising:
- a base portion, an upper portion, and a jig configured to receive a lower frame piece of a membrane assembly, the jig arranged on the base portion and shaped to receive a lower frame piece of the membrane assembly;
- and
- a vacuum pump coupled to evacuate air from the tensioning apparatus when a flexible membrane material is being fitted to the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly.
A tensioning apparatus for manufacturing a membrane assembly for a three-dimensional printer, the tensioning apparatus comprising a base portion, an upper portion, and a jig configured to receive a lower frame piece of a membrane assembly, the jig arranged on the base portion and shaped to receive a lower frame piece of the membrane assembly, and the base portion having a number of holes through an upper plate of the base portion through which air can be evacuated from the tensioning apparatus when a flexible membrane material is being fitted to the lower frame piece of the membrane assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.