3d Systems, Inc.

Ultra-lum, Inc.

Thomas A Almquist

Dennis R Smalley

Charles W Hull

Michael S Lockard

Richard Noel Leyden

Jeffrey S Thayer

Stuart T Spence

Paul F Jacobs

Charles W Lewis

Borzo Modrek

Bryan J L Bedal

Christian M Merot

Thomas H Pang

Thomas Alan Kerekes

Jocelyn M Earl

Richard P Fedchenko

Adam L Cohen

Mark Anthony Lewis

Hop D Nguyen

Dinh Ton That

Abraham Liran

Harry L Tarnoff

John S Stockwell

Richard A Harlow

David Z Remba

Tom J Vorgitch

David J Albert

Phil Stinebaugh

Raymond S Freed

Alvin Kovalsky

Brent Parker

Wayne B Vinson

Gerald Felper

Ronald E Repass

Warren Juran

Anthony L Caruso

Keith Denison

Stuart Thomas Spence

Andrzej R Serkuczewski

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 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

Tool having a molding surface is formed from a flowable material (e.g., powder material) wherein the shape of molding surface is formed from a molding process using a master pattern having a surface with a shape substantially the same as the shape of the molding surface to be formed. The tool has at least one thermal control element located within it and spaced from the molding surface where a component used in forming the thermal control element is located within the flowable material prior to solidifying the material. The powder material is preferably a mixture of metals. The thermal control elements include fluid flow paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, and the like.

Molding method, apparatus, and device including use of powder metal technology for forming a molding tool with thermal control elements

Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A 'winged' member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a 'Trident' embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Recoating stereolithographic layers

The invention involves an improved system for producing a three-dimensional object by forming successive cross-sections of the object from a material which is normally solid but which may be made flowable, including using data manipulation for converting a three-dimensional object representation into cross-sectional representations.

Thermal stereolithography using slice techniques

Methods and apparatus for use in building three-dimensional objects on substantially a cross-sectional basis including methods and apparatus for forming successive layers using counter-rotating rollers, ink jet recoaters, spinning members which sling material, applicator bars that dispense material via a meniscus and/or independently dispensed streams, and also including methods and apparatus to determine a preferred region over which to form a layer and to check for building errors.

Rapid recoating of three-dimensional objects formed on a cross-sectional

Recoating of stereolithographic layers

Thermal stereolithograp using slice techniques

Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid, but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment, a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object, thus providing support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface. In another alternative embodiment, such an apparatus is combined with a conventional stereolithographic apparatus to provide means for forming an object out of conventional stereolithographic materials, but utilizing a normally solid but thermally-flowable support material to provide support to the object, either on a layer-by layer basis, or by building supports such as web supports.

Thermal stereolithography

Growing community of inventors

San Gabriel, CA, United States of America

Thomas A Almquist