Rapid prototyping using multiple materials
US5980813A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0073
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Novel compositions and methods are provided for use in the stepwise, layer by layer fabrication of three-dimensional objects, in which a build material contains a metal having a covalent bond to a non-metal, and the layers are processed to produce the three-dimensional object at least in part through a chemical reaction which alters the covalent bond of the metal. In a first aspect of the invention the build material includes a metal that is covalently bound to a polymeric precursor. In another aspect of the invention, the build material includes a metal, Me, that is covalently bound to a first ligand, L.sub.1. Following deposition of the build material, the first ligand undergoes a redox reaction with a second ligand, L.sub.2, thereby breaking the covalent bond of the metal. In more preferred embodiments of this class, L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 react to form a gas, and the metal reacts to form an oxide such as MeSO.sub.x, MeNO.sub.x, MeCO.sub.x and so forth. In yet another aspect of the invention, multiple build materials are employed to provide non-uniformities such as electrical, thermal, and magnetic conduction paths, structural supports, chemical and wear resistant areas, and so for…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.