Thermal stereolighography
US5141680A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/49039
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support or the like for supporting an object surface from a second surface. In another alternative embodiment such an apparatus is combined with a conventional stereolithographic apparatus to provide means for forming an object out of conventional stereolithographic materials, but utilizing a normally solid but thermally-flowable support material to provide support to the object, either on a layer-by-layer basis, or by building supports such as web supports.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.