Filament loading system in an extrusion apparatus

A three-dimensional modeling machine having a liquifier that receives modeling material in filament form and delivers the material in a flowable state, comprising:

• a loading bay for receiving a cassette containing spooled filament;
• means for engaging a strand of the filament in the loading bay;
• and
• means for automatically advancing the filament strand along a path to the liquifier.

A three-dimensional modeling machine having a liquifier that receives modeling material in filament form and delivers the material in a flowable state, comprising:

• a loading bay for receiving a cassette containing spooled filament;
• and
• a filament cassette receiver for engaging the cassette in the loading bay, said receiver comprising:
• a conduit for receiving a filament strand from the cassette and guiding the filament strand along a path to the liquifier;
• and
• means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit.

A three-dimensional modeling machine having a liquifier that receives modeling material in filament form and delivers the material in a flowable state, comprising:

• a loading bay for receiving a cassette containing spooled filament;
• a conduit configured to mate with an exit orifice of the cassette for receiving a filament strand from the cassette and guiding the filament strand along a path to the liquifier;
• and
• a drive roller for advancing the filament strand through the conduit.