×

Seam concealment for three-dimensional models

  • US 9,724,866 B2
  • Filed: 12/07/2012
  • Issued: 08/08/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An extrusion-based digital manufacturing system for building a three-dimensional part, the system comprising:

  • a computer programmed to;

    generate a first tool path for a sliced layers of a digital representation of a three-dimensional model;

    adjust the first tool path to a second tool path that is configured to substantially conceal a seam at a perimeter of the corresponding layer of the three-dimensional part; and

    generate instructions corresponding to the second tool path;

    a platen;

    an extrusion head configured to move in a build plane; and

    a controller configured to direct the extrusion head to deposit a material to build the three-dimensional model in a layer-by-layer manner in a build plane tool path in the build plane corresponding to the second tool path based on the instructions, wherein the build plane tool path comprises;

    an outgoing segment;

    a contour segment having a first end extending from the outgoing segment, and a second end; and

    an incoming segment extending from the second end of the contour segment, wherein the incoming segment overlaps a portion of the outgoing segment to define an interior region that is enclosed by the build plane tool path, and wherein the outgoing segment and the incoming segment are each partially located within the enclosed interior region.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×