Abstract:
A print head assembly (43) that includes a print head carriage (18) and multiple, replaceable print heads (36, 42) that are configured to be removably retained in receptacles (46, 48) of the print head carriage (18). The print heads (36, 42) each include a cartridge assembly (60, 64) and a liquefier pump assembly (64, 66) retained by the cartridge assembly (60, 64).
Abstract:
A liquefier assembly (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562, 662) for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system (10), the liquefier assembly (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562, 662) comprising a downstream portion (62b, 162b, 262b, 362b, 462b, 562b, 662b) having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream portion (62a, 162a, 262a, 362a, 462a, 562a, 662a) having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion (62a, 162a, 262a, 362a, 462a, 562a, 662a) defining a shoulder (88, 188, 288, 388, 488, 588, 688) configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus (94, 194, 294, 394, 494, 594, 694) of a consumable material (90, 190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690).
Abstract:
A liquefier assembly (20) for use in an additive manufacturing system (10), which includes a liquefier tube (58), one or more heater assemblies (56a, 56b) in contact with the liquefier tube (58), and configured to heat the liquefier tube (58) in a zone -by-zone manner, preferably one or more thermal resistors (60a, 60b) disposed adjacent to the heater assemblies (56a, 56b), and preferably one or more sensors (66) configured to operably measure pressure within the liquefier tube (58). The one or more heater assemblies (56a, 56b) may be operated to provide dynamic heat flow control.
Abstract:
A nozzle (68) for printing three-dimensional parts (52) with an additive manufacturing system (36), the nozzle (68) comprising a nozzle body (78) having an inlet end (80) and a tip end (82) offset longitudinally from the inlet end (80), a tip pipe (86) for extruding a flowable material, an inner ring (90) extending circumferentially around the tip pipe (86) at the outlet end (80), an outer ring (92) extending circumferentially around the inner ring (90), at least one annular recessed groove (94) located circumferentially between the inner ring (90) and the outer ring (92).
Abstract:
A print head assembly (43) that includes a print head carriage (18) and multiple, replaceable print heads (36, 42) that are configured to be removably retained in receptacles (46, 48) of the print head carriage (18).