CPC B29C 64/232 (2017.08) [A61F 2/5046 (2013.01); B29C 64/209 (2017.08); B29C 64/236 (2017.08); B29C 64/241 (2017.08); B29C 64/245 (2017.08); B29C 64/255 (2017.08); B29C 64/295 (2017.08); B29C 64/314 (2017.08); B29C 64/329 (2017.08); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/10 (2020.01); B29L 2031/7532 (2013.01); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12)] | 15 Claims |
1. An additive manufacturing apparatus comprising:
a cartridge comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, the cartridge configured to accept a material,
wherein the cartridge is tapered from the top opening to the bottom opening;
an extruder configured to extrude the material;
a chute disposed between the cartridge and the extruder;
a z-axis plate attached to the cartridge and the extruder;
a z-axis motor configured to move the z-axis plate in a z-axis;
a main plate having a plate holder configured to accept a build plate,
wherein the build plate is configured to accept the material from the extruder;
a carousel configured to revolve about the main plate,
wherein the carousel is configured to receive the build plate;
a carousel arm configured to move the build plate between the carousel and the plate holder:
at least one pulley disposed between a base plate and the carousel,
wherein the at least one pulley enables rotational motion of the carousel;
a pulley motor disposed beneath the base plate,
wherein the pulley motor is in mechanical communication with the at least one pulley;
a y-axis motor configured to move the main plate in a y-axis; a rotary motor configured to move the plate holder in a rotary axis; and
a computing device having a processor and a memory, the computing device in electrical communication with at least the z-axis motor, the y-axis motor, and the rotary motor,
wherein the memory contains a design and a computer-readable instruction for printing the design, and
wherein the computing device is configured to drive the z-axis motor, the y-axis motor, and the rotary motor in accordance with the computer-readable instruction for printing the design.
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