Method and apparatus for fabricating three dimensional models
US7700016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/05
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed or a plurality of successive layers of model material and sacrificial mold material. Each successive layer is constructed by depositing, drop-by-drop, at least one line of sacrifical mold material delineating at least one boundary of the model material within the layer and thereafter depositing the model material onto all delineated regions of the layer by spray deposition. Each successive layer is completed by a planing process which removes the undesired thickness of both the sacrificial and the model materials. Following completion of the composite model, the sacrificial mold material is removable from the composite model, by a process effecting only the sacrificial mold material, to produce the three dimensional model. A device, for depositing the model material at the rate faster than the rate that the mold material is deposited, is also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.