Method and apparatus for the computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects from computer data
US6175422A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and process for computer-controlled manufacture of three-dimensional objects involves dispensing a layer of a first material, such as a liquid, insoluble material onto a platform at predetermined locations corresponding to a cross-section of the object, which then hardens. A second medium, preferably water soluble, is then sprayed onto this layer to thereby encapsulate the hardened insoluble media. The uppermost surface of this encapsulant is planned, thus removing a portion of the encapsulant to expose the underlying insoluble material for new pattern deposition. After the resulting planing residue is removed, another layer of liquid, insoluble media is dispensed onto the planned surface. The insoluble media can be of any color and may vary from layer to layer, and from location within a layer to location with a layer. These steps are repeated, until the desired three-dimensional object, surrounded by a mold, is completed. At this point, the object is either heated or immersed in solvent, thereby dissolving the mold and leaving the three-dimensional object intact. Other system methods, and processes are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.