Metamason, Inc.

Aaron M Ryan

Leslie Oliver Karpas

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects using investment molding techniques. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object includes: fabricating a subassembly including a plurality of volumes; where each volume is defined by the homogenous presence or absence of a material; where fabricating the subassembly includes using an additive manufacturing process; where at least one of the plurality of volumes defines a shape that is to exist in the object to be fabricated; where at least a first of the plurality of volumes includes a first dissolvable material; dissolving the first dissolvable material; where the dissolution of the first dissolvable material does not dissolve at least one other material within the subassembly; forming at least one cavity within the subassembly; and introducing an additive material into the at least one cavity.

Methods for fabricating objects using investment molding techniques

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement additive manufacturing processes whereby the constituent material of an object to be fabricated is manipulated prior to, or during, the respective deposition process such that different portions of the deposited constituent material can be made to possess different material properties. In one embodiment, an additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a nozzle configured to accommodate the extrusion of a constituent material through it and deposit the constituent material onto a surface in accordance with an additive manufacturing process to build up an object to be fabricated; and a subassembly configured to manipulate the material properties of some portion of the constituent material such that different portions of the deposited constituent material can be made to possess different material properties; where the subassembly is configured to begin said manipulation prior to, or concurrently with, its deposition onto a surface.

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Aaron M Ryan