Smoothing method for layered deposition modeling
US8123999B2 · kind B2 · utility
51Cited by
31References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0073
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for smoothing the surface of an object built from a polymeric or wax material using a layered manufacturing rapid prototyping technique. After the object is built it is exposed to a vaporized solvent such as in a vaporizer for an exposure time sufficient to reflow the object surface. A solvent is chosen based on its ability to transiently soften the material which forms the object, and thereafter evaporate off the object. The object is removed from the solvent and allowed to dry, producing a smooth finished part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.