Method of removing support structure using integrated fluid paths
US10137632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y50/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes operating a first ejector of a three-dimensional object printer to eject a first material towards a platen to form an object. The method further includes operating a second ejector of the three-dimensional object printer to eject a second material towards the platen to form support for portions of the object, the support being configured to provide support for portions of the object during the operation of the first ejector to form the object, at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that connects at least one opening in the body to at least one other opening in the body. The method further includes connecting a fluid source to the at least one fluid path of the support to enable fluid to flow through the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion the support from the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.