Abstract: Extruders for 3D printing machines are disclosed, which are configured to print with fragile metallic filament substrates. The extruders include two rotating elements, each of which is at least partially cylindrical, with the two rotating elements being positioned parallel to each other (with a first of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a first direction and a second of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a second opposite direction). The extruders are operably connected to a transmission, which is configured to drive rotation of the rotating elements in the first direction and the second opposite direction. The extruders further include a metallic filament contact zone located in a cylindrical area of each of the two rotating elements, along with a flexible coating that at least partially covers the metallic filament contact zone. The flexible coating is configured to be removed and replaced by an operator of the 3D printing machine.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically cleaning a print head within a three-dimensional (3D) printer are disclosed. The methods generally include operating a measurement system (of a 3D printer) to measure an amount of material delivered to a print head of the 3D printer (on a per unit of time basis); detecting a disturbance in the material being delivered to the print head; and retracting the material and then re-introducing the material to the print head. The methods include having a first drive system and a second drive system being used to retract the material and, once the print head is cleaned, to re-introduce the material to the print head with increasing speed from zero to a pre-defined end point speed.

Abstract: Extruders for 3D printing machines are disclosed, which are configured to print with fragile metallic filament substrates. The extruders include two rotating elements, each of which is at least partially cylindrical, with the two rotating elements being positioned parallel to each other (with a first of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a first direction and a second of the rotating elements being configured to rotate in a second opposite direction). The extruders are operably connected to a transmission, which is configured to drive rotation of the rotating elements in the first direction and the second opposite direction. The extruders further include a metallic filament contact zone located in a cylindrical area of each of the two rotating elements, along with a flexible coating that at least partially covers the metallic filament contact zone. The flexible coating is configured to be removed and replaced by an operator of the 3D printing machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a three-dimensional (3D) printing process are disclosed. In such methods, for example, encrypted printing parameters for a specific printing material are recorded onto a digital tag. The digital tag is then applied to a cartridge that holds the printing material, which is subsequently inserted into a 3D printer. The printer is then instructed to decrypt the encrypted printing parameters to produce a set of decrypted printing parameters. A set of spatial model specifications are also provided to the 3D printer. The 3D printer is then instructed to generate printing machine code based on the decrypted printing parameters and spatial model specifications. Finally, the 3D printer is instructed to manufacture a physical model based on the printing machine code.

Abstract: Print heads for 3D printers are disclosed. The print heads include a head body, which includes an internal cold zone and an internal hot zone. In addition, the print heads include a print nozzle and a tube within the head body, with the tube being configured to receive and transport a printing material from a source within a 3D printer to the print nozzle. The tube spans the cold zone and the hot zone—and does not include any joints or locations at which separate tubes connect. The print heads further include a heating block, which is attached to the head body within the hot zone. In addition, the print heads include a screen that encapsulates the heating block.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a three-dimensional (3D) printing process are disclosed. In such methods, for example, encrypted printing parameters for a specific printing material are recorded onto a digital tag. The digital tag is then applied to a cartridge that holds the printing material, which is subsequently inserted into a 3D printer. The printer is then instructed to decrypt the encrypted printing parameters to produce a set of decrypted printing parameters. A set of spatial model specifications are also provided to the 3D printer. The 3D printer is then instructed to generate printing machine code based on the decrypted printing parameters and spatial model specifications. Finally, the 3D printer is instructed to manufacture a physical model based on the printing machine code.

Abstract: Methods for producing spatial objects are disclosed. The methods generally include printing a spatial object, in an amorphous phase, using a three-dimensional (3D) printer and a printing material that consists essentially of polyaryletherketones. The methods further entail placing the spatial object in a container and submerging the spatial object in a suitable charging material. Next, vibrations are applied to the container that includes the spatial object and charging material. The container, charging material, and spatial object are then heated until the spatial object transitions into a semi-crystalline phase (at which point the spatial object can be removed from the container and charging material).

Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically cleaning a print head within a three-dimensional (3D) printer are disclosed. The methods generally include operating a measurement system (of a 3D printer) to measure an amount of material delivered to a print head of the 3D printer (on a per unit of time basis); detecting a disturbance in the material being delivered to the print head; and retracting the material and then re-introducing the material to the print head. The methods include having a first drive system and a second drive system being used to retract the material and, once the print head is cleaned, to re-introduce the material to the print head with increasing speed from zero to a pre-defined end point speed.