FUME EXTRACTOR SYSTEM AND METHODS

Abstract

A fume extractor system and method for use with a 3D printer includes a system operable in three conditions including: continuously filtering particulates and fumes at high temperatures during a printing process without intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber; continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a print process with intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber, to keep noxious gases retained in the print chamber; and purging the print chamber of fumes and mixing in ambient air to cool the fumes to a temperature low enough to allow adsorption of the fumes created by the printer. The system has a first compartment holding a first filter assembly and a second compartment holding a second filter assembly.

Claims

1. A fume extractor system for use with a 3D printer; the system comprising: (a) a first compartment holding a first filter assembly; (b) a first pump moving gas through the first filter assembly; (c) a first conduit conveying gas from a chamber holding a 3D printer to the first filter compartment; and (d) a second conduit conveying gas into the chamber holding the 3D printer.

2. The system of claim 1 further including a fresh air valve connected to the second conduit being openable and closeable to ambient air.

3. The system of claim 1 further including: (a) a second compartment holding a second filter assembly; and (b) a second pump moving gas through the second filter assembly.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein at least one of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes an adsorption filter for removing noxious fumes.

5. The system of claim 2 further including: (a) a second compartment holding a second filter assembly; and (b) a second pump moving gas through the second filter assembly.

6. The system of claim 3 wherein each of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes filtration of particulates from gas.

7. The system of claim 3 wherein the first conduit has a first branch to the first filter compartment, and a second branch to the second filter compartment.

8. The system of claim 7 further including: (a) a first one way valve between the first branch and first filter compartment; and (b) a second one way valve between the second branch and second filter compartment.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein the first conduit has a first branch to the first filter compartment, and a second branch to the second filter compartment.

10. The system of claim 3 wherein each of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes pleated filter media of glass fiber.

11. The system of claim 1 further including an openable and closeable vent in the first compartment in communication with a local environment.

12. The system of claim 8 further including an openable and closeable vent in the first compartment in communication with a local environment.

13. The system claim 1 further including the chamber holding the 3D printer.

14. A method of operating a fume extractor system for use with a 3D printer in a print chamber; the method comprising: operating the system in three conditions, the conditions including, (a) continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a printing process without intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber; and (b) continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a print process with intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber, to keep noxious gases retained in the print chamber; and (c) purging the print chamber of fumes and mixing in ambient air to cool the fumes to a temperature low enough to allow adsorption of the fumes created by the printer.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the high temperatures include temperatures greater than 50° C.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of allowing adsorption includes allowing activated carbon to adsorb the fumes created by the printer.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of allowing adsorption includes allowing activated carbon to adsorb the fumes created by the printer.

18. The method of claim 14 using a system comprising: (a) a first compartment holding a first filter assembly; (b) a first pump moving gas through the first filter assembly; (c) a first conduit conveying gas from a chamber holding a 3D printer to the first filter compartment; (d) a second conduit conveying gas into the chamber holding the 3D printer; (e) a fresh air valve connected to the second conduit being openable and closeable to ambient air; (f) a second compartment holding a second filter assembly; and (g) a second pump moving gas through the second filter assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system made in accordance with principles of this disclosure, the system being shown in a first operating condition;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system of FIG. 1, the system being shown in a second operating condition; and

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system of FIG. 1, the system being shown in a third operating condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In general, example embodiments solve the problems in the prior art by one or more combinations of: using a modular design with pump(s) and a control system to enable multi-function managing of fumes, throughout the various stages of the printing process; enabling adjustment of flows and heat depending on the ultimate application; and/or keeping temperatures substantially constant—to maintain high quality.

[0025] In reference now to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 1-3, a system 100 is shown. The system 100 can be portable, in that it can be easily set up/taken down/and moved to locations as needed. The system 100 is for use with a 3D printer 101. The 3D printer 101 can be any of conventional 3D printers commercially available. The printer 101 can be held or housed within a housing or chamber 102.

[0026] The system 100 is particularly useful for extracting fumes, including noxious fumes. When various materials are used for the 3D printer 102, higher processing temperatures are used, which leads to an increase in noxious fumes. Removing all the fumes and/or air inside of the chamber 102 removes heat, which is costly to replace in high amounts. Temperature fluctuations also impact part quality. The system 100 can extract fumes, while maintaining the heat within the chamber 102.

[0027] The system 100 includes a first compartment 106. The first compartment 106 houses or holds a first filter assembly 108. The first filter assembly 108 includes filtration of particulates from gas, and can be embodied in many different configurations. For example, the first filter assembly 108 may be pleated filter media made from glass fiber.

[0028] The first compartment 106 includes a vent 110 in communication with the local (ambient) environment. The vent 110 is selectively openable and closeable, and when it is opened or closed is described further below. The first compartment 106 also includes an ambient air inlet 112, whose use is described further below.

[0029] The system 100 includes at least a first pump 116. The first pump 116 moves gas (air) through the first filter assembly 108. Instead of a pump, a fan could be used as well.

[0030] The system 100 further includes a first conduit 118. The first conduit 118 is positioned to convey gas (including any fumes and particulate matter) from the chamber 102 to the first filter compartment 106.

[0031] The system 100 further includes a second conduit 120. The second conduit 120 is positioned to convey gas into the chamber 102 holding the 3D printer 101.

[0032] A fresh air valve 122 is connected (in communication with) the second conduit 120 and is openable and closeable to ambient air.

[0033] The system 100 further includes a second compartment 124. The second compartment 124 holds a second filter assembly 126. The second filter assembly 126 includes filtration of particulates from gas, and can be embodied in many different configurations. For example, the second filter assembly 126 may be pleated filter media made from glass fiber.

[0034] The system 100 includes a second pump 128. The second pump 128 moves gas (air) through the second filter assembly 126. Instead of a pump, a fan could be used as well.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first conduit 118 has a first branch 130 to the first filter compartment 106, and a second branch 132 to the second filter compartment 124.

[0036] The system 100 includes valve arrangements to help direct and control the flow. In this example, there is a first one way valve 134 between the first branch 130 and first filter compartment 106. A second one way valve 136 is positioned between the second branch 132 and second filter compartment 124.

[0037] In preferred systems, at least one of the first filter assembly 108 and second filter assembly 126 includes an adsorption filter 140 for removing noxious fumes. In the example shown, the adsorption filter 140 is part of the first filter assembly 108. The adsorption filter 140 can include any of a variety of adsorption members, selected for removing the specific noxious fumes generated in the 3D printing process. For example, activated carbon can be used for the adsorption filter 140.

[0038] In operation, the system 100 can be used in a method of operating for use with 3D printer 101 in print chamber 102. The method includes operating the system in three conditions.

[0039] In a first condition, as shown in FIG. 1, the method continuously filters particulates at high temperatures during a printing process without intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber 102. Air is directed from the chamber 102 into the first conduit 118 and into the second chamber 124. The second valve 136 is open, and the first valve 134 is closed. The second pump 128 draws air from the chamber 102 and through the second filter assembly 126. The filtered air is then returned to the chamber 102 through the second conduit 120.

[0040] In a second condition, as shown in FIG. 2, the method includes continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a print process with intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber 102, to keep noxious gases retained in the print chamber 102. The high temperatures can include temperatures greater than 50° C., including up to 130° C., and in some instances, up to 250° C. In the second condition, both valves 134, 136 are open, and the first pump 116 draws air from the chamber 102 through the first filter assembly 108, which includes the adsorption filter 140. The adsorption filter 140 may use activated carbon to adsorb the fumes created by the printing process. The vent 110 is open to release the air, purified of the fumes, into the ambient environment. The air is also filtered by the second pump 128 drawing air through the second filter assembly 126, and then returning the filtered air to the chamber 102 through the second conduit 120.

[0041] In the third condition, shown in FIG. 3, the method includes purging the print chamber 102 of fumes and mixing in ambient air to cool the fumes to a temperature low enough to allow adsorption of the fumes created by the printer. The fresh air valve 122 is open, allowing the flow of fresh air into the second conduit 120, permitting the flow of fresh air into the chamber 102. The air inlet 112 into the first compartment 106 is open, allowing the flow of ambient air into the first compartment. Valve 134 is open, and valve 136 is closed, drawing air through the first filter assembly 108. The adsorption filter 140 adsorb the fumes created by the printing process, while the vent 110 is open to release the air, purified of the fumes, into the ambient environment.

[0042] Preferred methods use the system and components as described above.

[0043] Aspects

[0044] Aspect 1. A fume extractor system for use with a 3D printer; the system comprising: (a) a first compartment holding a first filter assembly; (b) a first pump moving gas through the first filter assembly; (c) a first conduit conveying gas from a chamber holding a 3D printer to the first filter compartment; and (d) a second conduit conveying gas into the chamber holding the 3D printer.

[0045] Aspect 2. The system of aspect 1 further including a fresh air valve connected to the second conduit being openable and closeable to ambient air.

[0046] Aspect 3. The system of any one of aspects 1 and 2 further including: (a) a second compartment holding a second filter assembly; and (b) a second pump moving gas through the second filter assembly.

[0047] Aspect 4. The system of aspect 3 wherein at least one of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes an adsorption filter for removing noxious fumes.

[0048] Aspect 5. The system of any one of aspects 3 and 4 wherein each of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes filtration of particulates from gas.

[0049] Aspect 6. The system of any one of aspects 3-5 wherein the first conduit has a first branch to the first filter compartment, and a second branch to the second filter compartment.

[0050] Aspect 7. The system of aspect 6 further including: (a) a first one way valve between the first branch and first filter compartment; and (b) a second one way valve between the second branch and second filter compartment.

[0051] Aspect 8. The system of any one of aspects 3-7 each of the first filter assembly and second filter assembly includes pleated filter media of glass fiber.

[0052] Aspect 9. The system of any one of aspects 1-8 further including an openable and closeable vent in the first compartment in communication with a local environment.

[0053] Aspect 10. The system of any one of aspects 1-9 further including the chamber holding the 3D printer.

[0054] Aspect 11. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, in combination with any other aspect, or any portion of the drawings.

[0055] Aspect 12. A method of operating a fume extractor system for use with a 3D printer in a print chamber; the method comprising: operating the system in three conditions, the conditions including, (a) continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a printing process without intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber; and (b) continuously filtering particulates at high temperatures during a print process with intentional removal of pressure from the print chamber, to keep noxious gases retained in the print chamber; and (c) purging the print chamber of fumes and mixing in ambient air to cool the fumes to a temperature low enough to allow adsorption of the fumes created by the printer.

[0056] Aspect 13. The method of aspect 12 wherein the high temperatures include temperatures greater than 50° C.

[0057] Aspect 14. The method of any one of aspects 12 and 13 wherein the step of allowing adsorption includes allowing activated carbon to adsorb the fumes created by the printer.

[0058] Aspect 15. The method of any one of aspects 12-14 using a system of any one of aspects 3-7 or any other aspect above.

[0059] The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.