초록 ▼

A filament spool used in a rapid prototyping system carries a circuit which maintains data regarding the type and amount of filament on the spool. When the spool is mounted onto a spindle in the rapid prototyping system, the circuit is connected to the electronic control of the system. The data indi

A filament spool used in a rapid prototyping system carries a circuit which maintains data regarding the type and amount of filament on the spool. When the spool is mounted onto a spindle in the rapid prototyping system, the circuit is connected to the electronic control of the system. The data indicating the electronic control of the system. The data indicating the amount of filament on the spool is updated as filament is used by the system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A rapid prototyping system for making a three-dimensional physical object by depositing solidifiable material in multiple layers, comprising:a movable extrusion head having an inlet for receiving a filament of a material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature, and an outle

[ We claim:] [1.] A rapid prototyping system for making a three-dimensional physical object by depositing solidifiable material in multiple layers, comprising:a movable extrusion head having an inlet for receiving a filament of a material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature, and an outlet for delivering the material in a molten state;a spool carrying a coil of filament, the spool having an associated circuit for maintaining data regarding type and amount of filament on the spool;a filament drive for withdrawing filament from the spool and supplying the filament to the liquifier; andupdating means for updating the data regarding the amount of filament on the spool as a function of filament withdrawn from the spool by the filament drive.