Abstract: Techniques for depowdering in additive fabrication are provided. According to some aspects, techniques are provided that separate powder from parts by directing gas onto, or near to, the powder. While fragile green parts, such as green parts produced by binder jetting, may be fragile with respect to scraping or impacts, such parts may nonetheless be resistance to damage from directed gas, even if directed at a high pressure. Techniques for depowdering through directed application of gas may be automated, thereby mitigating challenges associated with manual depowdering operations.

Abstract: Control systems and methods for efficiently and effectively achieving and/or maintaining a parallel configuration between a build plate and a printing release surface of an additive manufacturing printer are provided. The methods include actions of over-plunging a drive point into a printing release surface and then calculating the build plate position until it achieves a desired target position. Other methods focus on a homing process for setting a zero position of the build plate. Structures used to help prevent build plate deflection include various armatures having a pinned configuration that help to stabilize a location of the build plate to maintain a substantially parallel configuration with respect to the printing release surface.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to reservoir manifold systems suitable for use with an additive manufacturing apparatus. Such manifold systems enable ease of use for making mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections to a reservoir used for additive manufacturing. Conduits formed in the reservoir manifold can allow for a fluid connection to be established with a reservoir to allow fluid flow into and out of the reservoir. The reservoir manifold can include one or more arms that are configured to move independently to couple to the reservoir of the printing apparatus. The reservoir manifold can include a trigger coupled to a latch mechanism for engaging one or more components of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the ability of the manifold to make electrical connections to the reservoir may present advantages to the ease-of-use and reliability of an additive manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for depowdering in additive fabrication are provided. According to some aspects, techniques are provided that separate powder from parts through vibration of the powder, the parts, and/or structures mechanically connected to the powder and/or parts. For instance, the application of vibration may dislodge, aerate and/or otherwise increase the flowability of regions of the powder, thereby making it easier to remove the powder with a suitable means. Techniques for depowdering through vibration may be automated, thereby mitigating challenges associated with manual depowdering operations.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to reservoir manifold systems suitable for use with an additive manufacturing apparatus. Such manifold systems enable ease of use for making mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections to a reservoir used for additive manufacturing. Conduits formed in the reservoir manifold can allow for a fluid connection to be established with a reservoir to allow fluid flow into and out of the reservoir. The reservoir manifold can include one or more arms that are configured to move independently to couple to the reservoir of the printing apparatus. The reservoir manifold can include a trigger coupled to a latch mechanism for engaging one or more components of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the ability of the manifold to make electrical connections to the reservoir may present advantages to the ease-of-use and reliability of an additive manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments generally relate to reservoir manifold systems suitable for use with an additive manufacturing apparatus. Such manifold systems enable ease of use for making mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections to a reservoir used for additive manufacturing. Conduits formed in the reservoir manifold can allow for a fluid connection to be established with a reservoir to allow fluid flow into and out of the reservoir. The reservoir manifold can include one or more arms that are configured to move independently to couple to the reservoir of the printing apparatus. The reservoir manifold can include a trigger coupled to a latch mechanism for engaging one or more components of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the ability of the manifold to make electrical connections to the reservoir may present advantages to the ease-of-use and reliability of an additive manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for depowdering additively fabricated parts are described. The techniques utilize various mechanisms to separate powder from parts. For instance, techniques for depowdering described herein may include fabrication of auxiliary structures in addition to fabrication of parts. Certain auxiliary structures may aid with depowdering operations, and may be fabricated along with parts during an additive fabrication process. The auxiliary structures may be shaped and/or have positional and/or geometrical relationships to the parts during fabrication. For instance, an auxiliary structure may include a cage structure fabricated around one or more parts.

Abstract: Techniques for depowdering in additive fabrication are provided. According to some aspects, techniques are provided that separate powder from parts through vibration of the powder, the parts, and/or structures mechanically connected to the powder and/or parts. For instance, the application of vibration may dislodge, aerate and/or otherwise increase the flowability of regions of the powder, thereby making it easier to remove the powder with a suitable means. Techniques for depowdering through vibration may be automated, thereby mitigating challenges associated with manual depowdering operations.

Abstract: Techniques for depowdering in additive fabrication are provided. According to some aspects, techniques are provided that separate powder from parts by directing gas onto, or near to, the powder. While fragile green parts, such as green parts produced by binder jetting, may be fragile with respect to scraping or impacts, such parts may nonetheless be resistance to damage from directed gas, even if directed at a high pressure. Techniques for depowdering through directed application of gas may be automated, thereby mitigating challenges associated with manual depowdering operations.