A 3D printing module, a build unit and a method are disclosed herein. The 3D printing module comprises a build unit receiving interface to receive a build unit. The build unit comprises a build platform with a build platform drive interface. The 3D printing module further comprises a driving mechanism engageable with the build platform drive interface to controllably move the build platform.

A 3D printing apparatus is disclosed herein. The 3D printing apparatus comprises a build compartment defining a build chamber within which a 3D object is to be generated; and a non-powered platform, moveable within the build chamber, comprising a platform drive interface to engage with an external drive mechanism to cause the platform to move. The 3D printing apparatus further comprises a powder compartment located laterally adjacent to the build compartment, within which build material is to be stored for use in the generation of the 3D object. The 3D printing apparatus also comprises a locking interface to couple the 3D printing apparatus with an external hosting device.

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a build material volume transportation device is described. The build material volume transportation device includes a shuttle to transport a build material volume. The shuttle includes an opening therethrough to receive the build material volume. The build material volume transportation device also includes a build tray to raise the build volume into the opening in the shuttle. The build material volume transportation device further includes a latch assembly to releasably secure the build tray to the shuttle. A tip of the latch assembly extends to interface with the aperture to secure the build tray to the shuttle. The tip rotates independently of the piston.

Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for making an object on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus that includes a light source (11), a drive assembly (14), optionally a heater (34) and/or cooler (34), and a controller (15). The light source, optional heater and/or cooler, and/or the drive assembly have at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by said controller. An example method comprises (a) installing a removable window cassette (12) on said apparatus in a configuration through which said light source projects, said window cassette comprising an optically transparent member (12a) having a build surface on which an object can be produced, and with said optically transparent member having at least one thermal profile associated therewith; and then (b) modifying said at least one adjustable parameter by said controller based on said at least one thermal profile of said optically transparent member; and then (c) producing the object on said build surface from a light-polymerizable liquid by bottom-up stereolithography.

Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for making an object on a bottom-up stereolithography apparatus that includes a light source, a drive assembly, optionally a heater and/or cooler, and a controller. The light source, optional heater and/or cooler, and/or the drive assembly have at least one adjustable parameter that is adjustable by said controller. An example method comprises (a) installing a removable window cassette on said apparatus in a configuration through which said light source projects, said window cassette comprising an optically transparent member having a build surface on which an object can be produced, and with said optically transparent member having at least one thermal profile associated therewith; and then (b) modifying said at least one adjustable parameter by said controller based on said at least one thermal profile of said optically transparent member; and then (c) producing the object on said build surface from a light-polymerizable liquid by bottom-up stereolithography.

A consumable assembly for supplying filament to a 3D printer includes a spool-less filament coil, a payout tube, and a compressive band. The coil of filament is wound in a configuration having a generally cylindrical outer perimeter and an open interior; the coil has a payout hole extending from an inner layer of the coil to an outer layer of the coil and includes a filament strand configured to be withdrawn through the payout hole in response to a pull force, to thereby withdraw filament from the interior of the coil. The payout tube is disposed in the payout hole and provides a filament port. A compressive band is disposed over the outer layer and is configured to exert a compressive radial force on the coil so that the coil maintains its cylindrical shape without deformation, and the filament strand may be drawn through the filament outlet free of kinks, twists or tangles.

A consumable assembly for supplying filament to a 3D printer includes a spool-less filament coil, a payout tube, and a compressive band. The coil of filament is wound in a configuration having a generally cylindrical outer perimeter and an open interior; the coil has a payout hole extending from an inner layer of the coil to an outer layer of the coil and includes a filament strand configured to be withdrawn through the payout hole in response to a pull force, to thereby withdraw filament from the interior of the coil. The payout tube is disposed in the payout hole and provides a filament port. A compressive band is disposed over the outer layer and is configured to exert a compressive radial force on the coil so that the coil maintains its cylindrical shape without deformation, and the filament strand may be drawn through the filament outlet free of kinks, twists or tangles.

Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with an energy beam, said apparatus comprising: a working area onto which layers of powdery material are to be placed; a powder storage unit, where said base surface is supporting a supply of powder in said powder storage unit; a powder distribution member, a pivoted powder pushing device for bringing a portion of powder from said base surface to a position between said distribution member and said working area, said distribution member further being arranged to be moveable towards and across the working area so as to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area, wherein a first portion of said pivoted powder pushing device is movable under said distribution member. An associated method and computer program product are also provided.

Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer using a powdery material which can be solidified by irradiating it with an energy beam, said apparatus comprising: a working area onto which layers of powdery material are to be placed; a powder storage unit, where said base surface is supporting a supply of powder in said powder storage unit; a powder distribution member, a pivoted powder pushing device for bringing a portion of powder from said base surface to a position between said distribution member and said working area, said distribution member further being arranged to be moveable towards and across the working area so as to distribute the portion of powder onto the working area, wherein a first portion of said pivoted powder pushing device is movable under said distribution member. An associated method and computer program product are also provided.

A method for operating the 3D printing tool includes positioning a first material distribution barrel within a first barrel orifice, where a first barrel tip is disposed at a first end of the first material distribution barrel. The method further includes positioning a second material distribution barrel within a second barrel orifice, where a second barrel tip is disposed at a first end of the second material distribution barrel. The method further includes dispensing building material from the first material distribution barrel when the first material distribution barrel is substantially vertically oriented and a second material distribution barrel is oriented at an angle from the vertical.