초록 ▼

The dimensional boundaries of a part are determined in a computer CAD/CAM system, including x, y, and z dimensions. A reference surface is provided and a first incremental layer of mold material is formed on the reference surface. The first incremental layer of mold material is selectively interrupt

The dimensional boundaries of a part are determined in a computer CAD/CAM system, including x, y, and z dimensions. A reference surface is provided and a first incremental layer of mold material is formed on the reference surface. The first incremental layer of mold material is selectively interrupted to define at least one dimensional boundary of the object. A first incremental layer of object material is formed upon at least the reference surface and assumes the dimensions defined by the interruption in the layer of mold material. The steps of forming incremental layers of mold and object material are repeated until the object or part is fully fabricated and all dimensional boundaries are defined.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [26.] A method of forming an object from incremental layers of object material, the method comprising the steps of:providing x, y and z dimensions of the object in a machine-readable format in a computer system;depositing a layer of mold material on a datum surface, the layer of mold mat

[ I claim:] [26.] A method of forming an object from incremental layers of object material, the method comprising the steps of:providing x, y and z dimensions of the object in a machine-readable format in a computer system;depositing a layer of mold material on a datum surface, the layer of mold material defining at least a portion of the x and y dimensions of the object;electroforming a layer of object material over the layer of mold material, wherein the layer of object material assumes the dimensions of the object defined by the layer of mold material;depositing another layer of mold material on the first layers of mold and object material, said another layer of mold material defining further x and y dimensions of the object;continuing to deposit and electroforming layers of mold and object material until the object is fully formed; andat least partially removing the layers of mold material from the fully formed object.