Abstract: A bidirectional magnetic clutch for an additive manufacturing system, comprising a concentric arrangement of an inner drive member (2) and an outer drive member (3) enclosing the inner drive member (2), the inner and outer drive members (2,3) being rotatable relative to each other. The inner drive member (2) comprises at least two outward facing recesses (5, 6) and the outer drive member (3) comprises at least two inward facing recesses (8,9). Each outward facing recess (5,6) comprises a radially moveable roller member (10,11) of ferromagnetic material. The inner drive member (2) further comprises a magnetic biasing system (12) configured to magnetically bias the roller members (10,11) into the outward facing recesses (5,6). The bidirectional magnetic clutch further comprises a magnet actuator (13) at least partially circumferentially arranged around the outer drive member (3) and configured to maintain an engaged state or disengaged state of the bidirectional magnetic clutch.

Abstract: A bidirectional magnetic clutch for an additive manufacturing system, comprising a concentric arrangement of an inner drive member (2) and an outer drive member (3) enclosing the inner drive member (2), the inner and outer drive members (2,3) being rotatable relative to each other. The inner drive member (2) comprises at least two outward facing recesses (5, 6) and the outer drive member (3) comprises at least two inward facing recesses (8,9). Each outward facing recess (5,6) comprises a radially moveable roller member (10,11) of ferromagnetic material. The inner drive member (2) further comprises a magnetic biasing system (12) configured to magnetically bias the roller members (10,11) into the outward facing recesses (5,6). The bidirectional magnetic clutch further comprises a magnet actuator (13) at least partially circumferentially arranged around the outer drive member (3) and configured to maintain an engaged state or disengaged state of the bidirectional magnetic clutch.

Abstract: An inductive nozzle heating assembly for an additive manufacturing system, comprises a rod shaped nozzle body of electrically conductive material provided with a passageway extending from an inlet end to an outlet end of the rod shaped nozzle body for dispensing an extrudable material. An induction coil unit is provided for magnetic engagement with the rod shaped nozzle body to allow heating thereof, wherein the induction coil unit encloses at least in part the rod shaped nozzle body. The induction coil unit and rod shaped nozzle body are spaced apart and separated by a minimum distance (Lg) larger than zero, and the rod shaped nozzle body comprises a heating piece having a predetermined Curie temperature.

Abstract: A print bed levelling system for an additive manufacturing system includes a nozzle head assembly movably arranged with respect to a substantially flat print bed member, wherein the nozzle head assembly comprises one or more nozzle bodies each having a nozzle end and a contactless sensor member disposed at a print bed engagement end of the nozzle head assembly. The contactless sensor member comprises a sensing surface in sensing engagement with the print bed member over a relative sensing distance range between a distal sensing position and a proximal sensing position.

Abstract: A nozzle lifting assembly for an additive manufacturing system includes a base member and a lift member relatively movable with respect thereto, a first nozzle body arranged for being lifted by the lift member and a second nozzle body disposed on the base member. A wedge member is movably arranged relative to the base member and in wedging engagement with the lift member between a first and second wedge position, wherein the first and second wedge position correspond to a lowered position and a lifted position of the first nozzle body with respect to the second nozzle body, respectively.

Abstract: A nozzle for a three-dimensional printing apparatus, comprising a main nozzle body (2) having an inlet end (4), an outlet end (6) and a central conduit (8) arranged there between, wherein the main nozzle body (2) is made of an electrically non-conductive body material. The main nozzle body (2) is provided with an electrically conductive first layer (10) and/or an electrically non-conductive second layer (12) arranged around the main nozzle body (2).

Abstract: A print bed levelling system for an additive manufacturing system includes a nozzle head assembly movably arranged with respect to a substantially flat print bed member, wherein the nozzle head assembly comprises one or more nozzle bodies, and a contactless sensor member disposed at a print bed engagement end of the nozzle head assembly. The contactless sensor member includes a sensing surface in sensing engagement with the print bed member over a relative sensing distance range between a distal sensing position and a proximal sensing position.

Abstract: A nozzle for a three-dimensional printing apparatus, comprising a main nozzle body (2) having an inlet end (4), an outlet end (6) and a central conduit (8) arranged there between, wherein the main nozzle body (2) is made of an electrically non-conductive body material. The main nozzle body (2) is provided with an electrically conductive first layer (10) and/or an electrically non-conductive second layer (12) arranged around the main nozzle body (2).

Abstract: A nozzle lifting assembly for an additive manufacturing system includes a base member and a lift member relatively movable with respect thereto, a first nozzle body arranged for being lifted by the lift member and a second nozzle body disposed on the base member. A wedge member is movably arranged relative to the base member and in wedging engagement with the lift member between a first and second wedge position, wherein the first and second wedge position correspond to a lowered position and a lifted position of the first nozzle body with respect to the second nozzle body, respectively.

Abstract: An inductive nozzle heating assembly for an additive manufacturing system, comprises a rod shaped nozzle body of electrically conductive material provided with a passageway extending from an inlet end to an outlet end of the rod shaped nozzle body for dispensing an extrudable material. An induction coil unit is provided for magnetic engagement with the rod shaped nozzle body to allow heating thereof, wherein the induction coil unit encloses at least in part the rod shaped nozzle body. The induction coil unit and rod shaped nozzle body are spaced apart and separated by a minimum distance (Lg) larger than zero, and the rod shaped nozzle body comprises a heating piece having a predetermined Curie temperature.

Abstract: A print bed levelling system for an additive manufacturing system includes a nozzle head assembly movably arranged with respect to a substantially flat print bed member, wherein the nozzle head assembly comprises one or more nozzle bodies each having a nozzle end and a contactless sensor member disposed at a print bed engagement end of the nozzle head assembly. The contactless sensor member comprises a sensing surface in sensing engagement with the print bed member over a relative sensing distance range between a distal sensing position and a proximal sensing position.