Ricoh Company, Ltd.

University of Washington

Di Zhang

Mark A Ganter

Andrew Jackson Boydston

Duane William Storti

Adam Edward Goetz

Gregory Isaac Peterson

Mete Yurtoglu

Michael Byrnes Larsen

The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles of polymer materials using 3D printing. A syringe or an inkjet print head prints a solution of prepolymer onto a build plate. The printed prepolymer is exposed to a stimulus whereby the prepolymer is converted to the polymer. After a predetermined time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The three-dimensional article can be cured to produce the 3D article made from the final polymer.

Methods of solid freeform fabrication

The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using 3D printing. A layer of prepolymer is deposited on a build plate to form a powder bed. The deposited powder bed is heated to about 50&#xb0; C. to about 170&#xb0; C. Then, a solution of activating agent is printed on the powder bed in a predetermined pattern, and a stimulus is applied converting the prepolymer to the final polymer. After a predetermined period of time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The three-dimensional object can be cured to produce the three-dimensional article composed of the final polymers.

Method for solid freeform fabrication

Methods for solid freeform fabrication

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Di Zhang