Patent ID: 11858214
Assignee: STRATASYS, INC.
Field: Other special machines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 8:
9. A 3D printer comprising:
a heated build chamber;
at least one print head configured to move in an x-y plane to print the layers of a part;
a thermal isolator configured to insulate components on an inlet side of the print head from the heated build space and forming a portion of a ceiling of the heated chamber, the thermal isolator comprising a first baffle section and a second baffle section secured to components of the thermal isolator that engage the print head and/or move the print head in the x-y plane, 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 a 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 are supported on opposing surfaces proximate the heated 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.