Rapid prototyping system and method with support region data processing
US5943235A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y50/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to various methods and an apparatus for building a three-dimensional object represented by object data and support data using thermal stereolithography. Some preferred embodiments of the building techniques include multiple building materials, wherein, in some preferred embodiments, a different building material is used to build the object and the support. Embodiments of the methods for building three-dimensional objects include manipulation of the data, which is represented by a plurality of start/stop transitions to facilitate the computation of Boolean operations. In preferred embodiments, the object is built by selective disposition of the building materials in accordance with the object and support data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.