| Abstract: | Described herein is an additive manufacturing apparatus that is
well-suited for constructing piezoelectric sensors. The additive
manufacturing apparatus includes an extrusion nozzle formed of a
conductive material such as aluminum. The extrusion nozzle has a channel
by way of which printing material exits the extrusion nozzle, wherein a
build plate is configured to receive the printing material responsive to
the printing material exiting the extrusion nozzle. An arc suppressor
formed of a semiconductor is coupled to the extrusion nozzle and is
configured to dissipate excess charge that would otherwise exist on the
extrusion nozzle when a relatively high bias voltage is applied to the
extrusion nozzle. Thus, the arc suppressor mitigates arcing between the
extrusion nozzle and the build plate. Arc suppressing gas is also
optionally introduced into a printing region, thereby further mitigating
arcing between the extrusion nozzle and the build plate. |