Innovative Additive Manufacturing Apparatus Patented

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from 3DFortify Inc. have been granted a patent for an inventive additive manufacturing apparatus that enables the precise mixing of materials for 3D printing. According to the patent, the apparatus addresses the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing methods by allowing for in-line formulation of materials, which can improve manufacturing efficiency, shipping stability, and material property choices. The patent describes a novel system that integrates a mixer, a reservoir, and a build plate to create a continuous process for additive manufacturing. This invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of 3D printing by providing a more efficient and accurate method for producing complex structures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patented invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes a mixer, a reservoir, and a build plate to create a continuous process for additive manufacturing.
  • The apparatus allows for in-line formulation of materials, which can improve manufacturing efficiency, shipping stability, and material property choices.
  • The system integrates a reservoir pump, a fluid dispensing system, and a solid particle dispensing system to achieve precise mixing of materials.
  • The apparatus is capable of dispensing solid particles into the mixer and measuring their mass using a load cell or a hopper.
  • The system can also flow material from the reservoir into the mixer through a conduit and drive material from the outlet of the mixer into the reservoir through the same conduit.
  • The apparatus includes features such as a fluid level sensor and a control system to monitor and control the mixing process.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on September 10, 2019, and published online on October 14, 2025.
  • The patent is assigned to 3DFortify Inc. (Boston, Massachusetts, United States) and has the patent number 12441028.
  • The inventive apparatus is designed to address the limitations of traditional additive manufacturing methods, including non-homogeneous sedimentation or aggregation of solid components in a composite mixture.

Sources:

  • Barros, Manny. Systems and methods for mixing materials for additive manufacturing. U.S. Patent Number 12441028, filed September 10, 2019, and published online on October 14, 2025.