초록 ▼

A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object. The process includes the steps of (1) positioning a material deposition sub-system a selected distance from a target surface, (2) operating this sub-system to deposit materials onto the target surface by carryi

A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object. The process includes the steps of (1) positioning a material deposition sub-system a selected distance from a target surface, (2) operating this sub-system to deposit materials onto the target surface by carrying out the sub-steps of (a) operating a multiple-channel fluid phase delivery device of the deposition sub-system for supplying multiple fluid compositions to a small region proximate the target surface and (b) operating a focused energy source to produce a phase change zone at this region, thereby inducing deposition of materials onto the target surface, and (3) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition sub-system and the target surface relative to one another in a plane defined by first and second directions and in a third direction orthogonal to this plane to form deposition materials into a three dimensional shape. These steps are preferably executed under the control of a computer system. Preferably, the system is also operated to generate a support structure for any unsupported feature of the object.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [9.] A freeform fabrication process for making a three-dimensional object, said process comprising the steps of:positioning a material deposition sub-system a selected distance from a target surface;said material deposition sub-system comprising a focused energy beam and a multi-

[ What is claimed:] [9.] A freeform fabrication process for making a three-dimensional object, said process comprising the steps of:positioning a material deposition sub-system a selected distance from a target surface;said material deposition sub-system comprising a focused energy beam and a multi-channel fluid phase delivery device that introduces selected fluid phase compositions into a phase change chamber having a discharge openings smaller than 1 mm in diameter on one side of said chamber proximate said target surface;operating said sub-system to deposit materials onto said target surface comprising the sub-steps of (a) operating said multiple-channel fluid phase delivery device for dispensing and directing said fluid phase compositions to flow through said discharge opening toward said target surface, said fluid phase flow forming a travel path; (b) operating said focused energy beam to intersect said travel path for producing a phase change zone in which said fluid phase compositions are activated to undergo a chemical reaction and/or physical transition, thereby inducing deposition of materials onto said target surface;during said material deposition process, moving said deposition sub-system and said target surface relative to one another along selected directions in a plane defined by first and second coordinate directions and in a third coordinate direction orthogonal to said plane to form deposition materials into a three dimensional shape.