Apparatus and method for fabrication of three dimensional objects

Abstract

digital fabrication apparatus of large built-volume three-dimensional (3D) objects.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a DIVISIONAL Non-Provisional Utility Application that claims the benefit of priority of the co-pending U.S. Non-provisional Utility application Ser. No. 15 / 499,891 with filing date 28 Apr. 2017, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Utility Patent Application 62 / 329,177 with a filing date 28 Apr. 2016, the entire disclosures of all of which applications are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.[0002]All documents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.[0003]It should be noted that throughout the disclosure, where, a definition or use of a term in any incorporated documents) is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables accurate and cost-effective fabrication of large 3D objects up to 80″×80″×80″, scalable to larger volumes, with precise positioning and reduced operational costs by eliminating the need for expensive CNC machinery.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, conventional small sized entry-level 3D printers use conventional subsystems and components (e.g., frame, drive systems, heating systems, power requirements, control systems, etc.) that are specifically designed for smaller sized built-volumes and not suited for and in fact, not even scalable for larger built-volume fabrications.

For example, conventional small sized entry-level 3D printers use a toothed belt drive system for moving a printer-head short distances, but toothed belt drive systems are not suited, for actuation and correct positioning of the printer-head at long travel distances due to greater degree of belt-play such as belt-whip or belt-lag caused by longer drive belts.

In fact, belt drive systems in general are not well suited for correct positioning of a print head whether for short or long travel distances.

Unfortunately, today's so-called “larger” 3D printers (average approximate built-volume of about 18″×18″×8″), use technologies that are based on traditional Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which are very costly.

Given the large forces required, CNC, machines use complex closed-loop control systems for correctly moving and positioning the tool so that it does not “crash” into the workpiece, causing catastrophic damage to the workpiece and possibly to the CNC machine itself.

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