Calibration and alignment of 3D printing deposition heads
A three-dimensional (3D) printer includes a frame, a first calibration device coupled to the frame, a dispensing system having a cartridge holder with a sensor mounted at a location relative to the cartridge holder, and a multi-axis positioning system for moving the dispensing system relative to the frame. Methods for calibrating the 3D printer are also disclosed.
1. A method for calibrating a three-dimensional printer comprising a frame, a first calibration device coupled to the frame, a dispensing system comprising a first dispensing tip, and a sensor, the method comprising:
positioning the first dispensing tip in registration with a first end of the first calibration device;
positioning the sensor in registration with a second end of the first calibration device;
depressing the first end of the first calibration device with the first dispensing tip;
sensing with the sensor a change in vertical position of the second end of the first calibration device; and
determining a vertical working height of the first dispensing tip.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional printer further comprises a second calibration device coupled to the frame and the dispensing system further comprises a second dispensing tip, the method further comprising:
positioning the second dispensing tip in registration with a first end of the second calibration device;
positioning the sensor in registration with a second end of the second calibration device;
depressing the first end of the second calibration device with the second dispensing tip;
sensing with the sensor a change in vertical position of the second end of the second calibration device; and
determining a vertical working height of the second dispensing tip.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the first calibration device and the second calibration device comprise a single calibration device.
4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising determining a relative vertical (z) offset distance between the first dispensing tip and the second dispensing tip.