GEAR-BASED LIQUEFIER ASSEMBLY FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

摘要

A liquefier assembly (20) for use in an additive manufacturing system (10) to print three-dimensional parts (22), which includes an upstream pressure-generating stage (52) and downstream flow-regulating stage (52). The upstream pressure-generating stage (52) includes a drive mechanism (46), a liquefier configured (52) to melt a consumable material (48) receive from the drive mechanism (46) to produce a molten material in a pressurized state. The downstream flow-regulating stage (52) includes a gear assembly (52) having a casing assembly (64,66,68) and a pair of gears (74,76) disposed within the interior cavity (78,80) and engaged with each other to regulate a flow of the pressurized molten material (48) through the gear assembly (52) for controlled extrusion.