Thermal stereolithography

Details Thermal stereolithography Thermal stereolithography

1995-06-01

1997-10-14

Tentoni, Leo B.

Plastic and nonmetallic article shaping or treating: processes

Stereolithographic shaping from liquid precursor

222 55, 2221462, 264308, 36446827, 425135, 425145, 425147, B29C 3508, B29C 4102

Patent

active

056769040

ABSTRACT:
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.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4665492 (1987-05-01), Masters
patent: 4749347 (1988-06-01), Valavaara
patent: 5134569 (1992-07-01), Masters
patent: 5140937 (1992-08-01), Yamane et al.
patent: 5216616 (1993-06-01), Masters
patent: 5340433 (1994-08-01), Crump
Translation Of Japan 3-236,940 (Published Oct. 22, 1991).

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