THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTED PART REMOVAL USING A BIMETALLIC PLATEN

摘要

A three-dimensional object printer has a platen that is configured to facilitate the release of objects formed on the platen. The platen includes a first layer and second layer, the first layer having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second layer. A controller in the printer is configured to operate at least one ejector in an ejector head to form a three-dimensional object on the surface of the platen with reference to digital image data and, upon completion of the object, to operate a temperature control device operatively connected to the platen to bend the platen by changing the temperature of the platen and releasing a three-dimensional object from the platen.

主权项

1. A three-dimensional object printer comprising:
a platen having a first layer and second layer, the first layer having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second layer; an ejector head having at least one ejector configured to eject drops of material onto a surface of the platen; a temperature control device operatively connected to the platen, the temperature control device being configured to change a temperature of the platen; and a controller operatively connected to the temperature control device and the ejector head, the controller being configured to:
operate the at least one ejector in the ejector head to eject the drops of material towards the surface of the platen and form layers of material with reference to digital image data of a three-dimensional object to produce the three-dimensional object on the surface of the platen; andoperate the temperature control device to bend the platen by changing the temperature of the platen to release a three-dimensional object from the platen.