초록 ▼

A method of and apparatus for producing a 3-D model by forming a continuous plurality of parallel layers of modeling material comprising a) producing a plurality of bead producing drops of the modeling material for deposition at desired locations b) controlling the locations and timing of deposition

A method of and apparatus for producing a 3-D model by forming a continuous plurality of parallel layers of modeling material comprising a) producing a plurality of bead producing drops of the modeling material for deposition at desired locations b) controlling the locations and timing of deposition to produce vectors, in any and all directions required to produce an outer surface defining wall of said layer with a desired surface finish; c) adjusting the distance of the location of drop production to the location of drop deposition in preparation for the formation of a subsequent said layer; and d) repeating steps a), b), and c) as required to complete the model.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of producing a 3-D model by forming a contiguous plurality of parallel layers of modeling material on a platform comprising the steps of:a) producing a plurality of bead producing drops of the modeling material for deposition from a drop on demand jet at desired locations

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of producing a 3-D model by forming a contiguous plurality of parallel layers of modeling material on a platform comprising the steps of:a) producing a plurality of bead producing drops of the modeling material for deposition from a drop on demand jet at desired locations to solidify into beads to form at least a portion of a layer of said parallel layers;b) controlling the locations of deposition by simultaneously coordinating relative movement in the X-Y coordinates for a support arrangement of said jet to produce vectors, defined by overlapping pluralities of the beads, in any and all directions required to produce, by vector plotting, at least a desired outer surface defining wall;c) timing the production of said plurality of beads, at least, when producing said desired outer surface defining wall to overlap previously deposited beads to a desired extent and to meld with previously deposited beads to produce said vectors, thereby forming said desired outer surface defining wall with a desired surface finish;d) adjusting the distance of the location of drop production to the location of drop deposition following formation of said layer in preparation for the formation of a subsequent said layer; ande) repeating steps a), b), c), and d) as required to complete the model.