MULTIPLE-ZONE LIQUEFIER ASSEMBLY FOR EXTRUSION-BASED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

摘要

A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, and a method for building a three-dimensional model with the extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, where the liquefier assembly includes a liquefier tube having multiple, independently heatable zones along a longitudinal length of the liquefier tube.

主权项

1. A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising:
a liquefier tube having a first end and a second end offset along longitudinal length; an extrusion tip secured to the first end of the liquefier tube; a first thermal unit operably secured to the liquefier tube adjacent the first end of the liquefier tube; and a second thermal unit operably secured to the liquefier tube between the first thermal unit and the second end of the liquefier tube, wherein the first thermal unit and the second thermal unit are configured to be operated independently of each other.