Removable build modules for additive fabrication

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018319081-A1
Application number	US-201815970283-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 3, 2018
Priority date	May 5, 2017
Publication date	Nov 8, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

Techniques for producing removable build modules for additive fabrication devices are described. According to some aspects, a removable build module may comprise an enclosure having an open top, a fabrication platform arranged in an interior of the enclosure, and at least one actuator incorporated into the enclosure and configured to move the fabrication platform towards and away from the open top of the enclosure.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A removable build module for an additive fabrication device configured to fabricate objects by forming layers of solid material from a source material, the removable build module comprising:
an enclosure having an open top; a fabrication platform arranged in an interior of the enclosure; and at least one actuator incorporated into the enclosure and configured to move the fabrication platform towards and away from the open top of the enclosure.

2 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising a leadscrew and wherein the at least one actuator includes a source of rotational motion coupled to the leadscrew.

3 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising at least one heater.

4 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising at least one temperature sensor.

5 . The removable build module of claim 4 , further comprising:
at least one heater; and at least one controller configured to adjust an amount of heat produced by the at least one heater based at least in part on an indication of temperature produced by the at least one temperature sensor.

6 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors configured to generate an indication of the fabrication platform's position.

7 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising one or more rails attached to an exterior of the enclosure.

8 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising one or more connection points that include an opening through the enclosure.

9 . The removable build module of claim 8 , wherein at least a first connection point of the one or more connection points includes an electrical connector coupled to at least one electrical component of the removable build module.

10 . The removable build module of claim 1 , wherein the fabrication platform includes a planar upper surface extending across the interior of the enclosure.

11 . The removable build module of claim 1 , further comprising one or more guide rails arranged to guide the fabrication platform as the fabrication platform moves towards and away from the open top of the enclosure.

Assignees

• Formlabs Inc
• Formlabs Inc

Inventors

• Torrealba Eduardo
• Plummer Luke
• Chan Brian
• Lobovsky Maxim
• Wighton Shane
• Ferguson Ian

Classifications

• B29C64/259 Primary

  Interchangeable · CPC title

• B29C64/393

  for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes · CPC title

• B29C64/218

  Rollers · CPC title

• B29C64/153 Primary

  using layers of powder being selectively joined, e.g. by selective laser sintering or melting · CPC title

• B33Y30/00

  Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor · CPC title