Method and system for layer-wise generation of three-dimensional models from powdered material

Abstract

The method and system for layer-wise generation of three-dimensional objects from powdered material includes sequential application of powdered material and suitable binder onto a vertically mobile worktop. Depositing is performed by a powdered material application device and a binder application device. The two application devices work in two mutually perpendicular directions along two horizontal planes parallel to each other and the worktop, performing the application in both directions of movement between their final positions. Application devices move and deposit the respective substance at a different optimal rate depending on the process. The method and the system have a wide range of applications in the casting industry for the layer-wise generation of complete sand molds and/or high precision cores directly from a three-dimensional computer model. They reduce the time required to produce casting shapes and improve the accuracy, and also allow the generation of more complex shapes without the need for a physical model.