초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in con

A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in contact with the surface portions. Thermal energy may also be supplied by a radiation source. The thermal normalization may be performed after a predetermined number of successive layers are dispensed. Related methods are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprisinga platform;a movable build material dispensing head adjacent said platform and comprising at least one build material jet for dispensing solidifiable build

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for making a three-dimensional article based upon article defining data, said apparatus comprisinga platform;a movable build material dispensing head adjacent said platform and comprising at least one build material jet for dispensing solidifiable build material upon said platform to construct the article in successive layers based upon the article defining data; anda heated body carried by said movable build material dispensing head and being disposed in spaced relation from said at least one build material jet for dimensionally normalizing portions of dispensed build material by heating and displacing predetermined portions thereof during construction of the article;said heated body having at least one portion defining a channel for facilitating removal of heated build material.