Stratasys has patented a method for calibrating a 3D printer using factory calibration data to locate the center of a metal extrusion nozzle. The method involves inductively sensing the nozzle with an eddy current sensor to determine the nozzle’s center for accurate printing. GlobalData’s report on Stratasys gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Stratasys, Spacecraft 3D Printing was a key innovation area identified from patents. Stratasys's grant share as of February 2024 was 68%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Calibrating a 3d printer using inductive sensing
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11919242B2) discloses a method for calibrating a 3D printer with precision. The method involves utilizing factory calibration data to determine the center of the inner diameter of a metal extrusion nozzle's tip orifice and the center of the tip surface. By inductively sensing the nozzle with an eddy current sensor while secured to the print head, the method accurately identifies the location of the center of the tip surface and subsequently determines the center of the inner diameter of the tip orifice on the print head.
Furthermore, the calibration method includes optically scanning the tip surface of the nozzle to locate the center of the inner diameter, with the option of using a confocal microscope for this purpose. The process also involves heating the nozzle to a specific temperature before sensing, and the calibration is performed within a calibration chamber of the 3D printer. The method ensures quick and efficient calibration, with the inductive sensing of the nozzle to determine its location taking less than 10 seconds. Additionally, the calibration routine can be replicated when swapping print heads during printing, ensuring accurate calibration before extrusion of consumable material from the alternative print head. The method guarantees high accuracy, with the center of the inner diameter located within less than 10 microns or even 5 microns of accuracy.
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