Selective deposition modeling method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects and supports
DCFirst Claim
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1. A method for rapid prototyping comprising:
- controllably dispensing a flowable material which is solidifiable upon being dispensed to form a three-dimensional object, the material being dispensed to accumulate in a vertical direction at a desired rate in a layer-by-layer cross-section fashion on a support platform;
supporting a cross-section of a three-dimensional object and providing a working surface for building a next object cross-section that accumulates in the vertical direction at the desired rate;
passing a planarizer over the working surface to smooth the working surface and establish a layer thickness for each cross-section;
relatively displacing the dispenser and the working surface in at least two dimensions, comprising a scanning direction and an index direction;
dispensing material over the working surface in accordance with a selected style; and
creating a support structure for each cross-section, the support structure accumulating in the vertical direction at about the desired rate.
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Abstract
A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for rapid prototyping comprising:
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controllably dispensing a flowable material which is solidifiable upon being dispensed to form a three-dimensional object, the material being dispensed to accumulate in a vertical direction at a desired rate in a layer-by-layer cross-section fashion on a support platform;
supporting a cross-section of a three-dimensional object and providing a working surface for building a next object cross-section that accumulates in the vertical direction at the desired rate;
passing a planarizer over the working surface to smooth the working surface and establish a layer thickness for each cross-section;
relatively displacing the dispenser and the working surface in at least two dimensions, comprising a scanning direction and an index direction;
dispensing material over the working surface in accordance with a selected style; and
creating a support structure for each cross-section, the support structure accumulating in the vertical direction at about the desired rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for rapid prototyping comprising controllably dispensing a solidifiable flowable material to form a three-dimensional object, the material being dispensed to accumulate in a vertical direction at a desired rate in a layer-by-layer cross-section fashion on a support surface and establishing a working surface for building a next object cross-section;
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creating a support structure for each cross-section, the support structure accumulating in the vertical direction at about the desired rate;
passing a planarizer over the working surface to smooth the working surface and establish a layer thickness for each cross-section. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification