Patent ID: 8663533

Claim:
A method for building a three-dimensional part with a fused deposition modeling system having a print head carriage configured to move substantially in a plane, the method comprising: loading a print head to a receptacle of the print head carriage, the receptacle being supported from a carriage frame of the print head carriage such that the receptacle is restricted from movement relative to the carriage frame in directions parallel to the plane, but is controllably moveable relative to the carriage frame in directions outside of the plane; actuating a snap-fit mechanism to secure the loaded print head to the receptacle to prevent the loaded print head from moving relative to the receptacle; moving the print head carriage retaining the secured print head in the plane; feeding a material with the secured print head; melting the fed material in the secured print head; extruding the molten material from the secured print head to form at least a portion of the three-dimensional part; controllably moving the receptacle containing the secured print head relative to the carriage frame in at least one direction outside of the plane with a toggle mechanism; and removing the print head from the receptacle.