Abstract: Motion isolation apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. One example is a motion isolation apparatus comprising a floating frame that maintains an alignment between a 3D printhead and a 3D print surface, the floating frame having a floating frame stiffness; and a structural frame that supports the floating frame and has a structural frame stiffness, the floating frame stiffness being greater than the structural frame stiffness so that the structural frame elastically deflects to dampen oscillating forces applied to the floating frame by the 3D printhead during printing without disrupting the alignment. Related apparatus, methods, and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of apparatus, methods, and systems for calibrating 3D printers are described. One aspect is an apparatus that may comprise: a nozzle support structure that operatively attaches a nozzle to a 3D printer and comprises a strained region that experiences a surface strain of between approximately 1×10-7 and approximately 1×10-4 responsive to a contact between the nozzle and a print surface; and a semiconductor strain gauge that is attached to the strained region and operable to generate an analog signal and output a digital signal responsive to the surface strain, the semiconductor strain gauge comprising a gauge factor of between approximately 80 and approximately 200, the digital signal being detectable by the 3D printer. Related apparatus, methods, and systems also are described.

Abstract: Motion isolation apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed. One example is a motion isolation apparatus comprising a floating frame that maintains an alignment between a 3D printhead and a 3D print surface, the floating frame having a floating frame stiffness; and a structural frame that supports the floating frame and has a structural frame stiffness, the floating frame stiffness being greater than the structural frame stiffness so that the structural frame elastically deflects to dampen oscillating forces applied to the floating frame by the 3D printhead during printing without disrupting the alignment. Related apparatus, methods, and systems also are disclosed.