Patents Assigned to 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11919230
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes a resin vessel containing photocurable resin, an imaging system, a build plate with a plate upper surface, a vertical positioner, a volume compensator (VC), and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) operate the VC to maintain a resin upper surface proximate to a build plane, (b) operate the imaging system and the vertical positioner to generate a plurality of base layers upon the plate upper surface, (c) receive a first signal responsive to vertical motion of the resin upper surface, (d) analyze the first signal to determine a metric that is related to an extent of immersion of the plate upper surface below the resin upper surface during formation of the base layers, and (e) operate the imaging system and the vertical positioner to begin generation of the 3D article after the metric has reached a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Enslow, Eric M. Innes
  • Patent number: 11912846
    Abstract: Additives for three-dimensional build materials or inks are described herein which, in some embodiments, can impart flame retardant properties and/or structural enhancements to articles printed from the build materials. In some embodiments, such an additive comprises a compound of Formula I herein, wherein L and Z are ring substituents comprising at least one polymerizable point of unsaturation, and wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene and alkenylene, and R3-R6 each represent one to four optional ring substituents, each one of the one to four ring substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, heteroalkyl, haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, alkoxy, amine, amide, and ether, and wherein n is an integer from 1 to 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Khalil Moussa
  • Patent number: 11905355
    Abstract: Polymerizable liquids for 3D printing applications are described herein which, in some embodiments, impart flame resistant and/or flame retardant properties to articles printed from the build materials. The polymerizable liquids may also impart desirable mechanical properties to the articles. In some embodiments, a polymerizable liquid comprises a curable isocyanurate component in an amount of at least 20 wt. %, based on total weight of the polymerizable liquid, and an organophosphate component comprises one or more organophosphate compounds. In some embodiments, the polymerizable liquid further comprises an acrylate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Khalil Moussa
  • Patent number: 11897189
    Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three-dimensional (3D) printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink described herein comprises 20-60 wt. % oligomeric curable material; 10-50 wt. % cyclocarbonate (meth)acrylate monomer; and 0.1-5 wt. % photoinitiator, based on the total weight of the ink. Additionally, in some cases, the ink further comprises one or more additional curable materials differing from the oligomeric curable material and the cyclocarbonate (meth)acrylate monomer. An ink described herein, in some embodiments, also comprises one or more additional component that are non-curable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Khalil Moussa
  • Patent number: 11890806
    Abstract: Additives for three-dimensional build materials or inks are described herein which, in some embodiments, can impart one or more structural enhancements to articles printed from the build materials. In one aspect, a polymerizable liquid comprises at least one additive including a plurality of cyclopolymerizable functionalities separated by an aliphatic linker or alkylene oxide linker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Khalil Moussa
  • Patent number: 11878350
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) print engine includes (A) a plurality of walls laterally defining a build chamber, (B) a build box including a build plate, (C) a powder dispenser, (D) a beam system for fusing layers of powder, (E) a peripheral plate disposed between the build plate and the plurality of walls and having an upper surface, (F) a gas inlet that ejects a gas flow stream that passes over the build plate and the peripheral plate, (G) a gas outlet that receives the gas flow stream, (H) a plurality of projecting structures mounted to and extending above the upper surface of the peripheral plate, and (I) a gas handling system coupled to the gas inlet and gas outlet. The plurality of projecting structures shape the flow field of the gas flow stream to provide a more uniform velocity of gas flow velocities above the build plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jose Julio Doval
  • Patent number: 11872745
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the dispensing of liquid, and automated layering of liquid hydrogel patterns are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may utilize a bioprinter having a brush that is configured to pattern a collagen layer. In some embodiments, the bioprinter may be used to make layered bioprinted materials. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may include a bioprinter having an atomizer needle that is configured to dispense liquid in an automated way. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may provide modified surfaces upon which materials may be printed using a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinter. In one embodiment, a modified surface may be formed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicones and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Taciana Leticia Woellner Duarte Pereira, Ricardo Solorzano, Gabriel David Montoya, Margaret Elizabeth Prendergast
  • Publication number: 20230390994
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bioextruder assembly capable of “retro-fit” an existing three-dimensional (3D) printer such that it is capable of printing biomaterials. The bioextruder assembly may be modular, self-contained, and configured as “plug-and-play” unit. In some embodiments, the bioextruder assembly may be configured for use in zero-gravity environments such as space and configured to engage with existing 3D printers in space. In some embodiments the bioextruder assembly includes an extruder configured to extrude bio-materials stored in a syringe that is coupled to the extruder, and a converter. The converter may include an electromechanical coupling component that couples the converter to a three-dimensional printer system, and a motor configured to actuate the extrusion of bio-materials stored in the syringe based on signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ricardo SOLORZANO, Nicholas MCKNIGHT
  • Patent number: 11833757
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for manufacturing a 3D article includes a resin vessel, a build tray, a movement mechanism, a light engine, a housing, a gas handling system, and a controller. The resin vessel includes a transparent sheet on a lower side. The housing defines two chambers including an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is in fluidic communication with the resin contained by the resin vessel. The lower chamber is in fluid communication with a lower surface of the transparent sheet. The controller is configured to (a) operate the gas handling system to reduce and control a partial pressure of oxygen in the upper and lower chambers, (b) operate the movement mechanism and the light engine to form the 3D article in a layer-by-layer manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Stockwell, Pingyong Xu, Peter Scott Turner, Charles W. Hull
  • Patent number: 11826925
    Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three-dimensional printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink described herein comprises a thiol monomer component and an ene monomer component. Moreover, in some cases, an ink described herein further comprises an additional (meth)acrylate monomer component differing from the ene monomer component. In some such cases, the additional (meth)acrylate monomer component can be polymerized separately from the thiol and ene monomers of the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Fong, Pingyong Xu
  • Patent number: 11813796
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system is configured to manufacture a three-dimensional 3D article in a layer-by-layer manner. The 3D printing system includes a resin vessel, a tank agitation subsystem, a fabrication subsystem, and a controller. The resin vessel is configured to contain photocurable resin and has a lower region within a distance H of a bottom surface of the resin vessel. The agitation subsystem includes (a) a grating disposed within the lower region of the resin vessel and (b) an agitation movement mechanism coupled to the grating. The fabrication subsystem is configured to form the 3D article by a layer-by-layer selective curing of the photocurable resin. The controller is configured to operate the agitation movement mechanism to oscillate the grating along a lateral Y-axis to remix filler particulates within the photocurable resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Enslow, Frederick T. Mattern
  • Patent number: 11806932
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a resin vessel containing resin, an imaging bar, a movement mechanism coupled to the imaging bar, and a controller. The imaging bar includes an arrangement of light emitting devices that selectively emit radiation from an exit surface of the imaging bar to define a build plane in the resin. The exit surface of the imaging bar is preferably less than 10 millimeters from the build plane. The controller is configured to scan the imaging bar along a scan axis and, concurrent with scanning, operate the imaging bar to selectively image a layer of resin at the build plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Beauchamp, Ning Zheng, James Francis Smith, III
  • Patent number: 11801645
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing system for manufacturing a three-dimensional article includes a resin vessel for containing a volume of photocurable resin having a resin upper surface, an imaging system configured to define a build plane, a build plate having a build plate upper surface, a build plate positioner, a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a fluid-related vertical position of one or more of the resin upper surface and a component of a volume compensator (VC), and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) operate the build plate positioner to vertically translate build plate upper surface, (2) concurrent with operating the build plate positioner, receiving the signal from the sensor, (3) analyze the signal to determine a build plate geometric signature, and (4) determine or suspend a build plan for building the 3D article based upon the determined geometric signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Enslow, Nickalaus Podgursky, Daniel Alonzo
  • Patent number: 11794254
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a three-dimensional article includes a print engine, a post-fabrication powder removal apparatus, a transport mechanism, and a controller. The post fabrication removal apparatus includes a rotary frame defining an internal receptacle cavity, a plurality of clamps coupled to a corresponding plurality of actuators, a clamping plate coupled to a lift apparatus, and an agitation device mounted to the clamping plate. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: (1) Operate the transport mechanism to transport the build box to the internal receptacle cavity. (2) Operate the plurality of actuators to engage the build box with the plurality of clamps to secure the build box to the rotary frame. (3) Operate the rotary frame to rotate the build box until unfused powder begins to exit the build box. (4) Operate the agitation device to facilitate pouring of the unfused powder from the build box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ahren Michael Hoy, Turner Ashby Cathey, Alexander J Geyling
  • Patent number: 11794408
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a build vessel, a plate, a vertical movement mechanism coupled to the plate, a powder coater, an energy source, and a controller. The build vessel includes one or a plurality of vertical chamber walls. The vertical chamber wall(s) laterally enclose a build chamber and have inward facing surfaces that collectively define a lateral extent or width of the build chamber. The build vessel includes a lip that defines an upper surface of the build vessel. The lip extends inwardly from the inward facing surfaces to define an opening having a lateral extent that is smaller than the lateral extent of the build chamber. The plate has an upper surface and a lateral extent that is larger than the lateral extent of the opening. The plate laterally overlaps with the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Aalok Uday Gaitonde
  • Patent number: 11780989
    Abstract: Build materials for 3D printing applications are described herein which, in some embodiments, comprise a dye component operable to alter spectral characteristics of the printed part over the course of the build cycle. In some embodiments, for example, the dye component can provide desirable light penetration depth during article printing and sufficient optical clarity during final light curing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mehrgan Khavari, Khalil Moussa, Scott Broce
  • Patent number: 11779472
    Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional bioprinter for fabricating cellular constructs such as tissues and organs using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at or above 405 nm. The bioprinter includes a material deposition device comprising a cartridge for receiving and holding a composition which contains biomaterial that cures after exposure to EMR. The bioprinter also includes an EMR module that emits EMR at a wavelength of about 405 nm or higher. Also provided is a bioprinter cartridge which contains cells and a material curable at a wavelength of about 405 nm or greater. The cells are present in a chamber and are extruded through an orifice to form the cellular construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ricardo D. Solorzano, Sohaib K. Hashmi, Daniel Cabrera
  • Patent number: 11772328
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a support plate, a transparent sheet, gas pressure source, and a conduit. The support plate includes a transparent central portion and defines a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The transparent sheet overlays the transparent central portion, the gas inlet, and the gas outlet of the support plate. A central chamber is defined between the transparent sheet and the support plate. The gas pressure source is coupled to the gas inlet through the conduit. An input fluid flow resistance Li is defined from the gas pressure source to the central chamber. An output fluid flow resistance Lo is defined out through the gas outlet and to an outside location. A ratio of Li to Lo is sufficient to allow a stable control of a physical configuration of the central unsupported portion of the transparent sheet above the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Evgeny Korol
  • Patent number: 11767440
    Abstract: In one aspect, inks for use with a three-dimensional (3D) printing system are described herein. In some embodiments, an ink described herein comprises 10-70 wt. % cyclopolymerizable monomer, based on the total weight of the ink. The cyclopolymerizable monomer comprises a first ethenyl or ethynyl moiety and a second ethenyl or ethynyl moiety. Additionally, the ?-carbon of the first ethenyl or ethynyl moiety and the ?-carbon of the second ethenyl or ethynyl moiety have a 1,5-, 1,6-, 1,7-, or 1,8-relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffery H. Banning
  • Patent number: 11766825
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printing system includes a build platform, a movement mechanism, a coating module, a consolidation module, and a controller. The controller is configured to (1) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a new powder layer over an upper surface of the build platform or powder, (2) operate the consolidation module to selectively consolidate the new powder layer, and (3) repeat (1) and (2) until a three-dimensional article is fabricated from a plurality of layers. Step (1) includes, at least one of the plurality of layers (a) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a first sublayer of powder having a thickness T1 over the upper surface, and (b) operate the movement mechanism and the coating module to deposit a second sublayer of powder having at thickness T2 over the first sublayer of powder. T2 is less than 20% of T1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 3D SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Carl Borgstrom, Dustin Crouse, Nachiketa Ray, James Vander Linden