US 12,168,323 B2
Systems and methods for cleaning orifices of a 3D liquid metal printer
David K. Biegelsen, Portola Valley, CA (US)
Assigned to XEROX CORPORATION, Norwalk, CT (US)
Filed by XEROX CORPORATION, Norwalk, CT (US)
Filed on Jul. 20, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/380,168.
Prior Publication US 2023/0023167 A1, Jan. 26, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 64/35 (2017.01); B29C 64/112 (2017.01); B29C 64/209 (2017.01); B29C 64/245 (2017.01); B29C 64/295 (2017.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 40/00 (2020.01); B08B 9/045 (2006.01); B22D 23/00 (2006.01); B33Y 30/00 (2015.01)
CPC B29C 64/35 (2017.08) [B29C 64/112 (2017.08); B29C 64/209 (2017.08); B29C 64/245 (2017.08); B29C 64/295 (2017.08); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 40/00 (2014.12); B08B 9/045 (2013.01); B08B 2209/032 (2013.01); B08B 2209/04 (2013.01); B22D 23/003 (2013.01); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A 3D printer, comprising:
a nozzle; and
a cleaning system comprising:
a gas source configured to introduce a gas at least partially into the nozzle;
a cleaning tool configured to remove solidified metallic dross from within the nozzle; and
a connector configured to extend upward and to connect to the nozzle, and wherein the gas is configured to flow through the connector.