Abstract:
A method for printing a three-dimensional part (20) with an additive manufacturing system (10), the method including printing layers of the three-dimensional part (20) and of a support structure (22) for the three-dimensional part (20) from multiple print heads (18) or deposition lines, and switching the print heads (18) or deposition line between stand-by modes and operating modes in-between the printing of the layers of the three-dimensional part (20) and the support structure (22). The method also includes performing a purge operation for each print head (18) or deposition line switched to the operating mode, where the purge operation includes printing a layer of at least one purge tower (24) from the print head (18) or deposition line switched to the operating mode.
Abstract:
An additive manufacturing system (10) comprising a platen assembly (32) configured to restrain and release a film or substrate (48), a head gantry (40) configured to retain a print head (18) for printing a three-dimensional part (22) on the restrained film or substrate (48). The additive manufacturing system (10) may also include a removal assembly (34) configured to draw the film (48) having the printed three-dimensional part (22) from the platen assembly (32) and to cut the drawn film (48).
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).