Solid freeform fabrication methods
US5738817A · kind A · utility
277Cited by
2References
33Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A fused deposition process is used to form three-dimensional solid objects from a mixture including a particulate composition dispersed in a binder. The article is formed by depositing the mixture in repeated layers of predefined thickness, with each layer solidifying before the next adjacent layer is dispensed. Following formation and a binder removal step, the article may be at least partially densified to achieve preselected properties. The process permits three-dimensional articles to be formed relatively quickly and inexpensively, without the need for molds or other tooling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.