Description:"This patent application embodies a 3D printer which can pause and resume print jobs, allowing embedding of external components. The printer can also be used to repair damaged parts."
Abstract:Methods and systems for manufacturing a three-dimensional product. Fabrication of a three-dimensional part from a powder spread over a work table as a powder bed can be initiated. The fabrication process can be paused to cool down the work table to room temperature to obtain access to the three-dimensional part for post-processing operations such as, for example, embedding external artifacts. Fabrication can continue by preheating the powder rather than the work table until fabrication of the three-dimensional part is complete. A damaged part may be placed within the powder bed, wherein the fabrication process can be directly initiated to achieve part repair. Additionally, a material of the same part's composition can be used or a different material utilized to render the part better than new. Access to the three-dimensional part allows embedding of a foreign object in the three-dimensional part within the powder bed while the three-dimensional part remains non-finished.
Issue Date: 10/22/2019
Application Date: 09/30/2016
Post Date: 05/08/2018
UTEP Docket No: 2015-060
