Stratasys, Inc.

David L Pollard

William J Swanson

Patrick W Turley

Paul E Hopkins

Andrew Mason Hahn

Daniel I Kimm

Steve Brose

Minea A Popa

William R Priedeman, Jr

J Samuel Batchelder

Mihnea A Popa

Joseph L Calderon

The present invention is a method and apparatus for building three-dimensional models by deposition modeling techniques from moisture-sensitive thermoplastics. A feedstock of thermoplastic modeling material is dried to a low moisture content and supplied to a dispensing head of a modeling apparatus. The dry thermoplastic material is heated in a liquifier and deposited in a predetermined pattern so as to build a three-dimensional model.

Method for building three-dimensional models from thermoplastic modeling materials

Filament is loaded into an extrusion apparatus, such as a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine, by inserting a cassette containing filament into the apparatus. A filament strand from the cassette is then advanced into the machine, such as by operating a thumb wheel or a follower wheel on the cassette. The filament loading method of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Method for loading filament in an extrusion apparatus

An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Filament loading system in an extrusion apparatus

Disclosed are a filament cassette and a filament loading assembly for supplying filament in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. The filament cassette contains a rotatable spool of filament, and has an exit orifice through which a filament strand may exit the cassette. The filament loading assembly is mounted on the modeling machine and receives the filament cassette. The filament loading assembly has conduit for receiving a strand of filament from the cassette and a drive means for advancing the filament strand through the conduit. The filament cassette and loading assembly of the present invention provide a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament from the modeling machine. The filament cassette and the conduit may be made airtight so that the filament is protected from moisture in the environment.

Filament cassette and loading system

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for initializing an additive process computer-controlled three-dimensional modeling machine which builds models on a modeling platform. The method, without operator intervention, senses the top surface of a substrate or other object mounted on the platform at a variety of preselected x, y locations and records the z-axis positions of the platform corresponding to the sensing of the object. Using the recorded z-axis positions, a z-start position for the modeling platform is calculated. The platform can be automatically placed at the calculated z-start position. The recorded z-axis positions can further be used to define a plane fitted to the substrate top surface. Optionally, the model can be built in a coordinate system defined by the plane.

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Mountain Center, CA, United States of America

David L Pollard