3d Systems, Inc.

Bryan J L Bedal

Charles W Hull

Michael S Lockard

Thomas A Almquist

Richard Noel Leyden

Thomas Alan Kerekes

Jocelyn M Earl

Jeffrey S Thayer

Christian M Merot

Dennis R Smalley

Thomas H Pang

Richard P Fedchenko

Dinh Ton That

Loc V Bui

John S Stockwell

Chris Robert Manners

Thomas J Vorgitch

Joe M Brown

Stacie L VanDorin

Anthony L Caruso

Keith Denison

A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Selective deposition modeling method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects and supports

A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object. Further, several techniques for automatically performing Z-error correction through the manipulation of a three-dimensional object representation are described.

Simultaneous multiple layer curing in stereolithography

This invention relates to the formation of three-dimensional objects on substantially layer-by-layer basis with enhanced resolution. The invention utilizes a unique offset printhead containing groups of jets to selectively deposit a hot-melt material.

Non-linear printhead assembly

A method, system and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object on a layer-by-layer basis involves forming a portion of the three-dimensional object using selective deposition modeling (SDM). SDM involves using at least one orifice, such as a jet, which dispenses a droplet of a flowable material that solidifies upon being dispensed. A drop volume capability of each orifice is adjusted until substantially all orifices have a uniform drop volume capability and all dispensed droplets of the flowable material have a uniform volume.

Method and apparatus for controlling the drop volume in a selective deposition modeling environment

A system and associated method for forming three-dimensional objects under computer control and from a material which may be rendered flowable and then dispensed on a layer-by-layer basis. The layers of the material solidify or otherwise physically transform upon being dispensed thereby forming successive cross-sections. The dispensing process is repeated whereby successive layers adhere to each other thereby forming the object.

Selective deposition modeling system and method

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Palmdale, CA, United States of America

Bryan J L Bedal