APPARATUS FOR MAKING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ARTICLES INCLUDING MOVING BUILD MATERIAL RESERVOIR AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

A three-dimensional article making apparatus includes a first positioner (71) for positioning a build material jetting head (34) along a first direction, a second positioner (69) for positioning the first positioner (71) along a second direction so that the jetting head (34) is effectively positionable along the second direction as well, and a build material reservoir (78) being mounted on the first positioner (71) so that a flexible connecting tube (72) need only flex to accommodate positoning of jetting head (34) along the first direction but not along the second direction. The jetting head (34) may be a piezoelectric jet which operates by forming a negative meniscus at an orifice of jet between droplets. Accordingly, the build material reservoir (78) may be mounted vertically relative to the piezoelectric jet to form the negative meniscus by negative head pressure. The apparatus preferably includes a solid build material supply (100) mounted on an apparatus frame (31) for storing build material in solid form. The first and second positioners (71, 69) may be used for selectively positioning the build material reservoir (78) adjacent the solid build material supply (100) to replenish build material within the build material reservoir. In addition, a build material level sensor (106) may be provided for initiating replenishment of the build material reservoir (78) responsive to a low level of build material. Related methods are also disclosed.