초록 ▼

A molding process for forming a three-dimensional article in layers. In one embodiment, a matrix comprising a planar grid-like member having a plurality of openings formed therethrough is employed. In an initial layer, casting material and mold material are deposited in selected openings to form a p

A molding process for forming a three-dimensional article in layers. In one embodiment, a matrix comprising a planar grid-like member having a plurality of openings formed therethrough is employed. In an initial layer, casting material and mold material are deposited in selected openings to form a portion of the article in that layer with the casting material surrounded by the mold material. The matrix is located sequentially in adjacent layers and in each layer, the selective deposition of casting and mold material is repeated whereby the article is formed layer by layer from the casting material held in place by the mold material. The casting material is solidified and the mold material is removed. In another embodiment, planar layers of material are sequentially deposited. In each layer, prior to the deposition of the next layer, a portion of its area is solidified to define that portion of the article in that layer. Selective solidification of each layer may be accomplished by using heat and a selected mask or by using a controlled heat scanning process.

대표청구항 ▼

A molding process for forming a three-dimensional article out of casting material comprising the steps of: (a) sequentially depositing the casting material and a mold material in unsolidified form in planar layers, (b) in a first layer depositing the casting material to fill an area which defines th

A molding process for forming a three-dimensional article out of casting material comprising the steps of: (a) sequentially depositing the casting material and a mold material in unsolidified form in planar layers, (b) in a first layer depositing the casting material to fill an area which defines that portion of the article to be formed in that layer, (c) in said first layer, depositing the mold material next to said area such that the mold material holds the casting material in place, (d) in each adjacent layer repeating steps (b) and (c) until the article is formed from the casting material in unsolidified form held in place by the mold material, (e) solidifying the casting material, and (f) removing the mold material.