Abstract: A platen assembly for use with an extrusion-based 3D printer includes a grid assembly comprising at least a 4×2 framework of interlocked perpendicular x direction beams and y direction beams, providing a substantially planar upper surface and a bottom surface. The platen assembly includes a platen comprising a thin metal sheet supported on the upper surface of the grid assembly and secured to the grid assembly such that the top surface provides a substantially flat build surface. The x direction beams, the y direction beams and the platen are constructed of substantially a same thermal expansion properties, and wherein the build surface of the platen has a build surface area of at least 400 square inches and maintains its flatness to within a flatness tolerance of 0.020 inches over a temperature range of at least 20 C-300 C.

Abstract: A method of loading filament into a 3D printer that build parts by fused deposition modeling processes includes providing a 3D printer having a receptacle configured for accepting a plug-in connector from a filament supply. The method further includes providing a filament supply having a container configured to retain a supply of a filament, a filament guide tube having a length, an inlet end attached to the container and an outlet end, and a connector at the outlet end of the filament guide tube. The connector has a geometry allowing it to be plugged into the receptacle and comprises a conduit having an entrance for accepting the outlet end of the filament guide tube and an exit for passing the filament into the printer. The method includes causing a signal to be emitted proximate the receptacle such that when the plug-in connector is inserted into the receptable, light shines through the connector to inform the operator of a filament loading status.

Abstract: A platen assembly for use with an extrusion-based 3D printer includes a grid assembly comprising at least a 4×2 framework of interlocked perpendicular x direction beams and y direction beams, providing a substantially planar upper surface and a bottom surface. The platen assembly includes a platen comprising a thin metal sheet supported on the upper surface of the grid assembly and secured to the grid assembly such that the top surface provides a substantially flat build surface. The x direction beams, the y direction beams and the platen are constructed of substantially a same thermal expansion properties, and wherein the build surface of the platen has a build surface area of at least 400 square inches and maintains its flatness to within a flatness tolerance of 0.020 inches over a temperature range of at least 20 C-300 C.