Abstract: An adjustable level 3-D printing platform includes a platform, three support posts, and an adjusting component by which heights of the three support posts are adjustable. The bottom of the build platform includes at least one socket to engage with a ball end of one of the three support posts, thereby enabling two point leveling. The adjusting component is configured to simultaneously adjust a height of the at least three support posts using a first arm and a second arm, each connected to the build platform at respective pivot points and configured to apply respective clamping forces to the support posts. The printing platform further includes at least one sensor leveling system that deploys a probe, measures a relative probe state, and compares the measurement to a predetermined value. During the leveling processes, the 3-D printer is configured to provide sensory feedback.

Abstract: A temperature control system for the extruder of a 3-D printer includes a blower and a baffling system to cool different components of the extruder using the same blower by directing air flow of the blower into two passages arranged at an outlet of the blower.

Abstract: A cooling device for an extruder of a three-dimensional (3D) printer includes a cooling fan, a supply duct, and a cooling duct. The cooling fan generates a fluid stream which is directed to the cooling duct through the supply duct. The cooling duct has an outlet portion that is ring shaped. The outlet portion has an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall having a plurality of outlet holes which evenly distribute the fluid stream in a 360-degree pattern around a print nozzle of the extruder to cool the print nozzle, deposited resin, and/or a print surface.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a user of a 3D printer to prevent unauthorized use of the 3D printer includes obtaining a user profile from a set of user profiles, each user profile corresponding to a user and including a stored multi-digit number; prompting the user, by a touch screen interface of the 3D printer, to input a personal identification number (PIN); preventing use of the 3D printer if the PIN does not match the stored multi-digit number; and authenticating the user if the PIN does match the stored multi-digit number. The method includes prompting the user to apply a force to the touch screen interface; detecting an applied force; comparing the applied force to a force threshold value; and preventing use of the 3D printer if the applied force is less than the force threshold value.

Abstract: A temperature control system for the extruder of a 3-D printer includes a blower and a baffling system to cool different components of the extruder using the same blower by directing air flow of the blower into two passages arranged at an outlet of the blower.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a user of a 3D printer to prevent unauthorized use of the 3D printer includes obtaining a user profile from a set of user profiles, each user profile corresponding to a user and including a stored multi-digit number; prompting the user, by a touch screen interface of the 3D printer, to input a personal identification number (PIN); preventing use of the 3D printer if the PIN does not match the stored multi-digit number; and authenticating the user if the PIN does match the stored multi-digit number. The method includes prompting the user to apply a force to the touch screen interface; detecting an applied force; comparing the applied force to a force threshold value; and preventing use of the 3D printer if the applied force is less than the force threshold value.

Abstract: An adjustable level 3-D printing platform includes a platform, three support posts, and an adjusting component by which heights of the three support posts are adjustable. The bottom of the build platform includes at least one socket to engage with a ball end of one of the three support posts, thereby enabling two point leveling. The adjusting component is configured to simultaneously adjust a height of the at least three support posts using a first arm and a second arm, each connected to the build platform at respective pivot points and configured to apply respective clamping forces to the support posts. The printing platform further includes at least one sensor leveling system that deploys a probe, measures a relative probe state, and compares the measurement to a predetermined value. During the leveling processes, the 3-D printer is configured to provide sensory feedback.