Generating three-dimensional objects
First Claim
1. An apparatus to generate a three-dimensional object, comprisinga powder distributor to distribute layers of powder, wherein each layer of powder comprises a predefined amount of powder that is determined based on average dimensions of each layer prior to processing,a binder to bind patterns of powder in a layer of powder, anda controller todetermine a layer volume change that results from processing of a single processed layer of powder,calculate an additional amount of powder to be supplied based on the layer volume change, andcause the powder distributor to distribute in a subsequent layer the predefined amount of powder and the additional amount of powder.
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Abstract
Apparatus, computer readable medium, or method to determine a layer volume change in a processed layer of powder, and distribute an additional amount of powder in a subsequent layer based on the determined layer volume change.
9 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus to generate a three-dimensional object, comprising
a powder distributor to distribute layers of powder, wherein each layer of powder comprises a predefined amount of powder that is determined based on average dimensions of each layer prior to processing, a binder to bind patterns of powder in a layer of powder, and a controller to determine a layer volume change that results from processing of a single processed layer of powder, calculate an additional amount of powder to be supplied based on the layer volume change, and cause the powder distributor to distribute in a subsequent layer the predefined amount of powder and the additional amount of powder.
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11. Non-transitory non-volatile computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions that cause a processor to control a three-dimensional printer to generate a three-dimensional object, wherein the instructions cause the processor to:
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instruct a powder distributor to distribute layers of powder, wherein each layer of powder comprises a predefined amount of powder that is determined based on average dimensions of each layer prior to processing, instruct a binder to bind patterns of powder in a layer of powder, determine a layer volume change that results from processing of a single processed layer of powder, calculate an additional amount of powder to be supplied based on the layer volume change, and instruct a powder distributor to distribute the predefined amount of powder and the additional amount of powder in a subsequent layer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of controlling a system to distribute powder, comprising:
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distributing a first layer of powder, wherein the first layer of powder comprises a predefined amount of powder that is determined based on average dimensions of each layer prior to processing, binding a pattern in the first layer of powder, determining a layer volume change that results from processing of the first processed layer of powder, calculate an additional amount of powder to be supplied based on the layer volume change, and distributing a subsequent layer of powder on top of the first layer, wherein the subsequent layer of powder comprises the predefined amount of powder and the additional amount of powder. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification