Abstract: A supply station for dispensing build material from a build material container is provided. The supply station includes a stationary support structure supporting a cylindrical cage along an axis, wherein the cylindrical cage is configured to be rotated in a first angular direction to dispense build material from the build material container.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a powder metering device to move powder in a 3D printing system includes a rotor comprising a central hub and peripheral wheel to rotate about a shaft. Compartments are formed between the hub and the wheel by a plurality of fins that emanate from the hub at first fin ends and affix to the wheel at second fin ends. A top and bottom disk each have a planar surface to lie flush against and to seal, respectively, top and bottom perimeters of each compartment as the compartments rotate about the shaft between a powder receiving position and a powder dispensing position.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a rotatable container for storing a material for a printing system. The container has a channel structure for conveying the material, the channel structure defining an opening of the container. The container also has a material-conveying member at least partially disposed within the channel structure, wherein the material-conveying member is mounted to prevent rotation relative to the channel structure. The material-conveying member and the channel structure are arranged to rotate together about a shared axis to convey the material through the channel structure.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a base for a printing material container. The base has a channel structure defining an opening of the base, an axis of the channel structure defining an axial direction. The base also has a material-guiding structure, formed around the opening, having a helical lower surface that extends from the channel structure in the axial direction. An upper surface of the material-guiding structure is formed by a lower surface of the base and the helical lower surface meets the lower surface of the base at a curved side wall that extends radially from the channel structure to an annular portion of the base.

Abstract: A valve mechanism in a supply station for coupling to a build material container and a method for operating the valve mechanism are provided. The valve mechanism includes a valve body having a top opening, a bottom opening, and a front opening. A diverter valve in the valve body is operated by a valve actuator, wherein the diverter valve directs build material from the top opening to the bottom opening when the valve actuator is in a first position and directs build material from the top opening into a build material container through the front opening when the valve actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a rotatable container for storing a material for a printing system. The container has a channel structure for conveying the material, the channel structure defining an opening of the container. The container also has a material-conveying member at least partially disposed within the channel structure, wherein the material-conveying member is mounted to prevent rotation relative to the channel structure. The material-conveying member and the channel structure are arranged to rotate together about a shared axis to convey the material through the channel structure.

Abstract: A compliant seal in a valve mechanism in a supply station for coupling to a build material container and a method for sealing a build material container are provided. The compliant seal includes a seal ring including a contact surface configured to allow the build material container to rotate while maintaining a sealed channel between the valve mechanism and a build material container. A feature in a back surface of the seal ring opposite the contact surface mates to a corresponding feature on the valve mechanism to prevent the compliant seal from rotating with the build material container A guide ring mounted over an outer portion of the seal ring is configured to direct a build material container into contact with the contact surface as the build material container is inserted into the supply station.

Abstract: A container includes an elongate hollow main portion to store a printing material and includes an openable end and an opposite closed end. The opposite closed end is at least partially defined by an end wall and by a hollow handle portion. The hollow handle portion is in fluid communication with an interior of the main portion.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing a container for a printing material. The method includes providing a first portion of the container comprising an opening circumscribed by an annular wall. The method then includes providing a second portion comprising an annular cavity, followed by joining the two portions by advancing the annular wall into the annular cavity by applying a compressive force in an axial direction of the opening, and temporarily rotating the first portion and the second portion relative to each other to fuse the first and second portions.

Abstract: A build material container for a three-dimensional printer is provided. The build material container includes an Archimedes screw disposed in a head at one end. The Archimedes screw is configured to convey build material between an edge of the build material container and a valve disposed in a center of the head as the build material container is rotated along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A container comprises a shell including a main portion to store a printing material for a 3D printer. The shell includes an openable end and an opposite close end. The closed end includes an end wall of the main portion and includes a hollow handle portion spaced apart from the end wall. The hollow handle portion is in fluid communication with the main portion.

Abstract: A printing system includes a rail and an electrical connector coupled to the rail. The rail is moveable between a first position where the electrical connector is disengaged from contacts of a supply container chip and a second position where the electrical connector is engaged with the contacts of a supply container chip.

Abstract: In one example, a replaceable cartridge to hold build material in an additive manufacturing machine includes a rigid exterior structured to fit into a receptacle in the machine, an anti-static interior to partially or fully contain an unfused build material, and an opening through which unfused build material may leave the antistatic interior.

Abstract: A supply station for dispensing build material from a build material container is provided. The supply station includes a stationary support structure supporting a cylindrical cage along an axis, wherein the cylindrical cage is configured to be rotated in a first angular direction to dispense build material from the build material container.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a base for a printing material container. The base has a channel structure defining an opening of the base, an axis of the channel structure defining an axial direction. The base also has a material-guiding structure, formed around the opening, having a helical lower surface that extends from the channel structure in the axial direction. An upper surface of the material-guiding structure is formed by a lower surface of the base and the helical lower surface meets the lower surface of the base at a curved side wall that extends radially from the channel structure to an annular portion of the base.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a container for a three-dimensional printing system. The container has a chamber for storing a build material. The container has a base mounted within an open end of the chamber, the base having a channel structure and having at least one material-conveying structure. The chamber has an inner surface having helical raised portions to convey build material between the chamber and the at least one material-conveying structure during rotation. The at least one material-conveying structure has a radially aligned opening to receive build material conveyed by the helical raised portions in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation and is configured to transport the build material towards an opening of the channel structure.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a powder metering device to move powder in a 3D printing system includes a rotor comprising a central hub and peripheral wheel to rotate about a shaft. Compartments are formed between the hub and the wheel by a plurality of fins that emanate from the hub at first fin ends and affix to the wheel at second fin ends. A top and bottom disk each have a planar surface to lie flush against and to seal, respectively, top and bottom perimeters of each compartment as the compartments rotate about the shaft between a powder receiving position and a powder dispensing position.

Abstract: In one example, a vent includes multiple parts each having a different resistivity to passing a gas. The parts are arranged so that the gas may pass through all parts simultaneously as long as the parts remain permeable to the gas.

Abstract: A regulator component includes a pressure regulator, a liquid filter, a vent with air filter downstream of the liquid filter, a second vent with air filter upstream of the liquid filter, and an outlet.

Abstract: In one example, a vent includes multiple parts each having a different resistivity to passing a gas. The parts are arranged so that the gas may pass through all parts simultaneously as long as the parts remain permeable to the gas.