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Method for building three-dimensional models in extrusion-based digital manufacturing systems using ribbon filaments

  • US 8,221,669 B2
  • Filed: 11/04/2009
  • Issued: 07/17/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for building a three-dimensional model in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the method comprising:

  • feeding a ribbon filament of a consumable material to a ribbon liquefier retained by the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the ribbon filament having a length and a cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the length that is axially asymmetric;

    melting the ribbon filament in the ribbon liquefier to provide a melted consumable material;

    extruding the melted consumable material from the ribbon liquefier;

    depositing the extruded consumable material in a layer-by-layer manner to form at least a portion of the three-dimensional model;

    changing a drive pressure for feeding of the ribbon filament to the ribbon liquefier, which exhibits a response time for extruding the melted consumable material that is at least 50% faster than a response time achievable with a cylindrical filament in a cylindrical liquefier for a same thermally limited, maximum volumetric flow rate;

    while extruding the melted consumable material, moving the ribbon liquefier at a rate that is based in part on the exhibited response time.

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