High performance rapid prototyping system
AssigneeStratasys, Inc.
InventorsJohn Sam Batchelder, Jim Comb, Thomas J. Dahlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rapid prototyping system forms three-dimensional objects by depositing layers of material on a substrate. A planer stator containing a grid of stator elements is positioned above and generally parallel to the substrate. An extrusion head is magnetically suspended below the stator and is separated from the stator by an air bearing. An electromagnetic drive receives control signals from moving the extrusion head relative to the grid of stator elements. An umbilical provides mechanical damping to the head to reduce resonance of the head during movements.
Claims15
A rapid prototyping system having a first extrusion head movable in a first and second dimensions for depositing layers of a first solidifying material in a desired pattern and a control for controlling operation of the system, comprising:
- first electromagnetic linear motor for driving the first extrusion head in response to drive signals received from the control;
- and
- first damping means for damping mechanical resonance of the first extrusion head during movements.
A rapid prototyping system comprising:
- a substrate;
- a planar stator positioned adjacent and generally parallel to the substrate, the stator containing a grid of stator elements;
- an extrusion head positioned adjacent and movable parallel to the stator, the extrusion head having an extrusion tip facing the substrate from which material in a molten state can be extruded for deposition onto the substrate;
- and
- an electromagnetic forcer for moving the extrusion head relative to the grid of stator elements in the stator in response to drive signals received from a control and having an fluid bearing upper surface;
- and
- damping means for damping mechanical resonance of the head with respect to the stator, produced by acceleration and deceleration of the head by the forcer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.