초록 ▼

A fused deposition process is used to form three-dimensional solid objects from a mixture including a particulate composition dispersed in a binder. The article is formed by depositing the mixture in repeated layers of predefined thickness, with each layer solidifying before the next adjacent layer

A fused deposition process is used to form three-dimensional solid objects from a mixture including a particulate composition dispersed in a binder. The article is formed by depositing the mixture in repeated layers of predefined thickness, with each layer solidifying before the next adjacent layer is dispensed. Following formation and a binder removal step, the article may be at least partially densified to achieve preselected properties. The process permits three-dimensional articles to be formed relatively quickly and inexpensively, without the need for molds or other tooling.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] In a process for making a three-dimensional article incorporating the steps of: providing a mixture of a particulate composition dispersed in a binder; dispensing the mixture from dispensing apparatus onto a build platform; and during the dispensing step, moving the dispensing appa

[ We claim:] [1.] In a process for making a three-dimensional article incorporating the steps of: providing a mixture of a particulate composition dispersed in a binder; dispensing the mixture from dispensing apparatus onto a build platform; and during the dispensing step, moving the dispensing apparatus and build platform relative to one another to form the dispensed mixture into a three-dimensional article, the improvement comprising:Providing as the binder in said mixture a binder including a plurality of organic components having melting temperatures in a range from a lowest melting temperature to a highest melting temperature, and said particulate composition including an organic material having a melting temperature greater than said highest melting temperature.