Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
US9975296B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2009/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable paste is shown and described. The apparatus includes a pastes spreader, at least a portion of which extends into the solidifiable paste. The container holding the solidifiable paste and the spreader are movable relative to one another. In one system, the spreader vibrates as the container and the spreader move relative to one another. In another system, the spreader is part of a spreader assembly in which a first spreader and second spreader are angled with respect to one another, and the assembly is rotatable and lockable into multiple rotational positions. A paste dispenser is also described which is configured to dispense paste while moving along a travel axis. The apparatus and method allow three-dimensional objects to be progressively built upside down by ensuring that the previously solidified object section has a substantially homogeneous layer of solidifiable material available for forming a new layer of the solidified object prior to exposure to solidification energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.