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Method and apparatus for controlling the drop volume in a selective deposition modeling environment

  • US 6,347,257 B1
  • Filed: 02/25/1999
  • Issued: 02/12/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/27/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of forming a three-dimensional object on a layer-by-layer basis using a selective deposition modeling process wherein selective deposition involves using at least one orifice which dispenses a droplet of flowable material that solidifies upon being dispensed, comprising the steps of:

  • detecting the drop volume capability of each orifice;

    forming a portion of the three-dimensional object;

    determining a predetermined drop volume capability of each orifice based upon a pre-determined drop volume capability produced by a simulation of the selective deposition modeling process;

    comparing the predetermined drop volume capability with the detected drop volume of each orifice; and

    adjusting a drop volume capability of each orifice until substantially all orifices have a uniform drop volume capability and all dispensed droplets of the flowable material have a uniform volume.

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