Uses of support material in solid freeform fabrication systems
First Claim
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1. A solid freeform fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object with embedded features, comprising:
- build material configured to be deposited in layers to form a three-dimensional object; and
support material configured to be deposited adjacent to the build material for supporting the build material during formation of the three-dimensional object, said support material also being configured to form a feature that imparts a predetermined property within the three-dimensional object.
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Abstract
The present invention is drawn to solid freeform fabrication systems and methods for producing three-dimensional objects. The system can include build material configured to be deposited in layers to form a three-dimensional object; and support material configured to be deposited adjacent to the build material for supporting the build material during formation of the three-dimensional object. The support material can also be configured to form a feature that imparts a predetermined property within the three-dimensional object.
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20 Claims
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1. A solid freeform fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object with embedded features, comprising:
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build material configured to be deposited in layers to form a three-dimensional object; and
support material configured to be deposited adjacent to the build material for supporting the build material during formation of the three-dimensional object, said support material also being configured to form a feature that imparts a predetermined property within the three-dimensional object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for solid freeform fabrication of three-dimensional objects, comprising:
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layering build material to form a three-dimensional object, said three-dimensional object including a cavity therein that is at least in part defined by the build material;
supporting overhangs formed during the layering step using a first portion of support material;
depositing a second portion of the support material in said cavity, wherein at least the second portion of the support material is configured to form a feature that imparts a predetermined property within the three-dimensional object; and
removing the first portion of the support material from the three-dimensional object. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification