Apparatus for Three Dimensional Printing Using Imaged Layers
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Accused Products
Abstract
A three-dimensional printer adapted to construct three dimensional objects is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the printer includes a first surface adapted to receive a bulk layer of sinterable powder, a polymer such as nylon powder; a radiant energy source, e.g., an incoherent heat source adapted to focus the heat energy to sinter an image from the layer of sinterable powder; and a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer or print the sintered image from the first surface to the object being assembled while fusing the sintered image to the object being assembled. The transfer mechanism is preferably adapted to simultaneously deposit and fuse the sintered image to the object being assembled. The process of generating an image and transferring it to the object being assembled is repeated for each cross section until the assembled object is completed.
37 Citations
22 Claims
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1-11. -11. (canceled)
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12. A method of building an object from a plurality of cross sections with a three-dimensional printer (3DP), the method comprising:
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dispensing a layer of sinterable powder; selectively fusing a portion of a layer of sinterable powder to provide a support structure comprising a substantially rigid portion that is sintered with an energy density substantially the same as an energy density used to fuse the sinterable powder comprising the cross sections of the object; selectively fusing a portion of a layer of sinterable powder to provide a support structure comprising an interface portion sintered with less energy than the energy density used to fuse the sinterable powder comprising the cross sections of the object; and selectively fusing a portion of a layer of sinterable powder into a sintered image, the sintered image corresponding to one of said cross sections of the object, wherein the interface portion of the support structure is generally provided between the substantially rigid portion of the support structure and the cross sections of the object. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification