Abstract: A method operates a three-dimensional object printer for production of cylindrical-shaped objects. The method uses a controller to operate an actuator operatively connected to a cylindrical member to rotate the cylindrical member within at least two supports, operate a plurality of ejectors in each of at least two printheads supplied with different materials to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, operate a linear actuator operatively connected to the cylindrical member to translate the cylindrical member bidirectionally in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotating cylindrical member between the two supports, and operate a curing device to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports and translated in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotating cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method operates a three-dimensional object printer for production of cylindrical-shaped objects. The method uses with a controller to operate an actuator operatively connected to a cylindrical member to rotate the cylindrical member within at least two supports, operate a plurality of ejectors in each of at least two printheads supplied with different materials to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, operate a linear actuator operatively connected to the cylindrical member to translate the cylindrical member bidirectionally in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotating cylindrical member between the two supports, and operate a curing device to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports and translated in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotating cylindrical member.

Abstract: A method operates a three-dimensional object printer for production of cylindrical-shaped objects. The method uses a controller to operate an actuator operatively connected to a cylindrical member to rotate the cylindrical member within at least two supports, operate at least two printheads supplied with different materials to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, and operate at least one other actuator operatively connected to the at least two printheads and a curing device to move each of the printheads and the curing device independently of one another in a bidirectional radial direction with reference to a center of the rotating cylindrical member. This operation enables the curing device to be positioned to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for forming an image on a three dimensional (3D) object are disclosed. For example, the method includes, detecting the 3D object that is formed from a first material is positioned on a movable bed, providing a bed of a powder of a second material on the movable bed around the 3D object, vibrating the bed of powder to provide a level surface of the powder, sintering a portion of the bed of the powder onto the 3D object, moving the 3D object and repeating the providing, the vibrating, the sintering and the moving to form the image onto the 3D object.

Abstract: A method operates a three-dimensional object printer for production of cylindrical-shaped objects. The method uses with a controller to operate an actuator operatively connected to a cylindrical member to rotate the cylindrical member within at least two supports, operate at least two printheads supplied with different materials to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, and operate at least one other actuator operatively connected to the at least two printheads and a curing device to move each of the printheads and the curing device independently of one another in a bidirectional radial direction with reference to a center of the rotating cylindrical member. This operation enables the curing device to be positioned to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer enables forming portions of an object with a material having a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction. The printer includes a member, a printhead, and an applicator. A controller operates the printhead to eject a first material having a first coefficient of friction toward the member and operates the applicator to eject a second material having a second coefficient of friction toward the member. The second material has a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction than the first material. The printer further includes a curing device. The controller operates the curing device to direct radiation toward the member to cure the first material. The second material is cured into the first material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer enables production of cylindrically shaped objects. The printer includes a controller operatively connected to at least two printheads, at least one object treating device, and actuator that is operatively connected to a cylindrical member being supported by at least two supports. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the cylindrical member within the at least two supports, to operate the plurality of ejectors in each of the at least two printheads to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, and to operate the at least one object treating device to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports.

Abstract: A three dimensional printer is configured to move at least one printhead from an area where the printhead is forming an object to a position opposite a shaft. The at least one printhead is operated to eject material onto the shaft and the shaft is rotated to enable a light sensor to generate signals indicative of a height of material at a plurality of positions on the shaft. The signals are compared to an expected height of material at each position to identify inoperative inkjets in the at least one printhead.

Abstract: Printer structures include a controller, a marking engine operatively (meaning directly or indirectly) connected to the controller, and a container connected to the marking engine. The marking engine applies marking material to print media, and the container stores that marking material. The container can include a flexible bladder storing the marking material, and an actuator structure operatively connected to the controller. The actuator structure contacts the flexible bladder and periodically moves portions of the bladder to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller (based on the marking engine being idle for a previously established amount of time). Alternatively, the actuator structure contacts the container can periodically rotate the container to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for forming an image on a three dimensional (3D) object are disclosed. For example, the method includes, detecting the 3D object that is formed from a first material is positioned on a movable bed, providing a bed of a powder of a second material on the movable bed around the 3D object, vibrating the bed of powder to provide a level surface of the powder, sintering a portion of the bed of the powder onto the 3D object, moving the 3D object and repeating the providing, the vibrating, the sintering and the moving to form the image onto the 3D object.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer enables production of cylindrically shaped objects. The printer includes a controller operatively connected to at least two printheads, at least one object treating device, and actuator that is operatively connected to a cylindrical member being supported by at least two supports. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to rotate the cylindrical member within the at least two supports, to operate the plurality of ejectors in each of the at least two printheads to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, and to operate the at least one object treating device to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports.

Abstract: A printer is configured to clean material from rails on which a cart rolls. The printer includes an ejector head configured to eject a material in a print zone, a first cylindrical member extending through the print zone, an actuator operatively coupled to the first cylindrical member and configured to axially rotate the first cylindrical member, a platform configured to move in a process direction along a surface of the first cylindrical member and receive material ejected by the ejector head in the print zone, and a first cleaner positioned to engage the surface of the first cylindrical member as the first cylindrical member is rotated by the actuator to remove material accumulated on the surface of the first cylindrical member.

Abstract: Printer structures include a controller, a marking engine operatively (meaning directly or indirectly) connected to the controller, and a container connected to the marking engine. The marking engine applies marking material to print media, and the container stores that marking material. The container can include a flexible bladder storing the marking material, and an actuator structure operatively connected to the controller. The actuator structure contacts the flexible bladder and periodically moves portions of the bladder to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller (based on the marking engine being idle for a previously established amount of time). Alternatively, the actuator structure contacts the container can periodically rotate the container to periodically mix the marking material as controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object printer enables forming portions of an object with a material having a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction. The printer includes a member, a printhead, and an applicator. A controller operates the printhead to eject a first material having a first coefficient of friction toward the member and operates the applicator to eject a second material having a second coefficient of friction toward the member. The second material has a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction than the first material. The printer further includes a curing device. The controller operates the curing device to direct radiation toward the member to cure the first material. The second material is cured into the first material.

Abstract: A mobile cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a platform, and at least one bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with a lower surface of a rail of the printing system in order to locate the platform with respect to an ejector head positioned opposite the rail. The cart further includes at least one other bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with an upper surface of the rail and apply a bias force that urges the at least one bearing against the lower surface of the rail. The rail can be configured to block material ejected by the ejector head from reaching the lower surface thereon.

Abstract: A mobile cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a first member having a pair of surface that slide along a pair of tracks, a receiver mounted to the first member that moves the cart along the tracks, and a planar member that has a surface for forming a three-dimensional object, and that is connected to the first member. The planar member and the first member are configured to enable an ejector head positioned opposite the track to pass between the planar member and the first member as the cart moves along the track.

Abstract: A mobile cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a first member having a pair of surface that slide along a pair of tracks, a receiver mounted to the first member that moves the cart along the tracks, and a planar member that has a surface for forming a three-dimensional object, and that is connected to the first member. The planar member and the first member are configured to enable an ejector head positioned opposite the track to pass between the planar member and the first member as the cart moves along the track.

Abstract: A mobile cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a platform, and at least one bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with a lower surface of a rail of the printing system in order to locate the platform with respect to an ejector head positioned opposite the rail. The cart further includes at least one other bearing operatively connected to the platform and configured to engage with an upper surface of the rail and apply a bias force that urges the at least one bearing against the lower surface of the rail. The rail can be configured to block material ejected by the ejector head from reaching the lower surface thereon.

Abstract: A printer is configured to clean material from rails on which a cart rolls. The printer includes an ejector head configured to eject a material in a print zone, a first cylindrical member extending through the print zone, an actuator operatively coupled to the first cylindrical member and configured to axially rotate the first cylindrical member, a platform configured to move in a process direction along a surface of the first cylindrical member and receive material ejected by the ejector head in the print zone, and a first cleaner positioned to engage the surface of the first cylindrical member as the first cylindrical member is rotated by the actuator to remove material accumulated on the surface of the first cylindrical member.

Abstract: A printer comprises at least one printhead having a plurality of inkjets, a dryer having an array of radiators including a plurality of rows of radiators and a plurality of columns of radiators, a media transport configured to move media past the at least one printhead and the dryer, and a controller operatively connected to the at least one printhead, the dryer, and the media transport. The controller is configured to activate selectively the radiators in the array of radiators to heat the portions of the surface of the media on which ink has been ejected. A method for operating the printer is also disclosed.