US 11,858,214 B2
3D printer with self-supporting thermal isolator
Kyra Elizabeth Neal, Crystal, MN (US); Colin Adam Schiel, Chaska, MN (US); Patrick Williams Anderson, Maple Grove, MN (US); and Bryan Daniel Migliori, Lakeville, MN (US)
Assigned to Stratasys, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN (US)
Filed by Stratasys, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN (US)
Filed on Apr. 2, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/221,136.
Prior Publication US 2022/0314542 A1, Oct. 6, 2022
Int. Cl. B29C 64/25 (2017.01); B29C 64/364 (2017.01); B29C 64/295 (2017.01); B33Y 40/00 (2020.01); B33Y 30/00 (2015.01)
CPC B29C 64/25 (2017.08) [B29C 64/295 (2017.08); B29C 64/364 (2017.08); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/00 (2014.12)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A build chamber for a 3D printer, the build chamber comprising:
a heated build space in an interior of the build chamber;
a thermal isolator configured to insulate 3D printer components from the heated build space, comprising a first baffle section and a second baffle section, each of the first baffle section and the second baffle section comprising:
an accordion-pleated panel having a length, a width, a first end and a second end, wherein the panel comprises parallel alternating top folds and bottom folds along the width forming a series of pleats, and each pleat within the series being configured to expand and contract, and wherein the panel is constructed of a heat-resistant material; and
support rods affixed to the accordion-pleated panel in parallel to the pleats and at intervals ranging from about every three pleats to about every eight pleats along the length of the panel, the support rods substantially spanning the width of the panel, wherein ends of the support rods rest on opposing surfaces proximate a ceiling of the build chamber to support the first and second baffle sections, wherein the support rods are configured to provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the panel to substantially prevent the panel from sagging or buckling into the heated build space as the panel is expanded and contracted along its length.