Method and apparatus for three-dimensional modeling
First Claim
1. In a modeling machine that builds three-dimensional objects by depositing flowable modeling material, wherein the modeling material is provided to the machine in the form of flexible filament and a strand of the filament is advanced through the machine along a filament path to a liquifier where it is heated to a flowable temperature, the improvement comprising:
- means for creating an active moisture barrier along the filament path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for three-dimensional deposition modeling, which shield a supply of modeling filament fed through a deposition modeling machine from exposure to environmental moisture. Dry gas under pressure is supplied to a filament path leading from a material supply to a liquifier, creating an active moisture barrier along the filament path. In a preferred embodiment, an entrance of the filament path is configured to seal to an exit orifice of a cassette containing the material supply, and an exit of the filament path is vented to release exhaust gas.
26 Citations
16 Claims
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1. In a modeling machine that builds three-dimensional objects by depositing flowable modeling material, wherein the modeling material is provided to the machine in the form of flexible filament and a strand of the filament is advanced through the machine along a filament path to a liquifier where it is heated to a flowable temperature, the improvement comprising:
means for creating an active moisture barrier along the filament path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for extruding moisture-sensitive material, comprising:
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a liquifier which receives material in the form of a filament strand and delivers the material in flowable form for extrusion;
an enclosed filament path having an entrance for receiving a filament strand and an exit for delivering the filament strand to the liquifier; and
means for creating an active moisture barrier along the filament path. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for shielding extrusion material from exposure to environmental moisture in an extrusion apparatus of the type that advances a continuous flexible filament of the extrusion material along a filament path leading from a filament supply to a liquifier, the method comprising the steps of:
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supplying dry gas under pressure to the filament path; and
venting the gas from the filament path. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. In a machine that builds three-dimensional objects by depositing flowable modeling material, wherein the modeling material is provided to the machine in the form of a flexible filament supply and a strand of the filament is advanced through the machine along a filament path to a liquifier where it is heated to a flowable temperature, a method for shielding the modeling material from exposure to environmental moisture comprising the steps of:
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supplying dry gas under pressure to the filament path; and
venting the gas from the filament path. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification