Rapid prototyping process and apparatus
US6110409A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for rapid prototyping is provided. The apparatus includes a container containing raw material. A working field is defined in the container. A transformation inducing device is arranged above the container. A plate is provided within the container and is movable with respect to the container to move raw material which has been transformed. A least two doctor blades, which are movable over the working field, are provided. The doctor blades are moved via drive elements. At least one of the doctor blades is arranged to create a shadow effect on a shadow region of the working field. The two doctor blades are arranged with respect to each other such that a portion of the working field between the doctor blades and bounded by a shortest closed and continuous contour containing the shadow region is not affected by the shadow effect. This portion of the working field between the doctor blades is ready to undergo transformation after being passed over by only one of the doctor blades.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.