Patent ID: 8808603

Claim:
A method for building a three-dimensional object with an extrusion-based layered deposition system having a mount, the method comprising: providing a first consumable assembly to the extrusion-based layered deposition system, wherein the first consumable assembly comprises a container portion retaining a supply of a filament, an extruder portion, and a guide tube configured to guide the filament from the container portion to the extruder portion; placing the container portion at a location that is offset from the mount; inserting the extruder portion in the mount such that the guide tube extends between the location of the placed container portion and the inserted extruder portion; creating an electrical connection between the inserted extruder portion and the extrusion-based layered deposition system; building at least a portion of the three-dimensional object from the filament retained in the container portion; and interchanging the first consumable assembly with a second consumable assembly.