Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-d printer

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for handling powder in a 3D printer. The invention includes a means of transporting powder from multiple sources to a powder dispensing apparatus with minimal user intervention, thus reducing contamination of the 3D printer and surrounding area with loose powder, while also providing a means of improving the recycling of powder for re-use.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A waste handling system for a three-dimensional printer, the system comprising:
 a receptacle for receiving printhead discharge material;   a holding receptacle in communication with the receiving receptacle, the holding receptacle comprising an absorptive medium adapted to absorb at least a portion of the printhead discharge material; and   a drain for channeling the printhead discharge material to the holding receptacle, wherein at least a portion of the printhead discharge material solidifies within the holding receptacle.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the holding receptacle is adapted to promote evaporation of at least a portion of the printhead discharge material. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the holding receptacle comprises an air transfer system for accelerating a rate of evaporation of the at least a portion of the printhead discharge material. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the air transfer system uses waste heat from the three-dimensional printer to accelerate the rate of evaporation. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the absorptive medium is removably disposed within the holding receptacle.