Methods and Apparatus for Variable Property Rapid Prototyping
OwnerNeri Oxmaninventor
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Abstract
In an exemplary implementation of this invention, a plurality of materials are heated, mixed and extruded from a nozzle. The ratio of materials in the extruded mixture may be dynamically varied in such a way that the composition of the extruded material varies in a substantially continuous gradient. The deposited material is selectively deposited layer by layer. The composition of the resulting 3D object may vary, over at least part of its volume, in a substantially continuous gradient. Furthermore, a plurality of such nozzles may be employed, at least one of which extrudes support material and at least one of which extrudes parts material, in each case in such a way that the composition of the extruded material varies in a substantially continuous gradient.
Claims20
Apparatus for fused deposition, comprising at least one nozzle for extruding material and at least one actuator for moving said nozzle,
- The Improvement Comprising at least one chamber adapted for mixing a plurality of materials for extrusion though said nozzle, in such a manner that the ratio of said materials in said extruded mixture varies in a substantially continuous gradient.
A method of layer manufacturing, comprising extruding material through at least one nozzle, and moving said nozzle in a such a manner as to selectively deposit said extruded material layer by layer,
- The Improvement Comprising mixing a plurality of materials and extruding said mixture through said nozzle in such a manner that the ratio of these materials in the extruded mixture varies in a substantially continuous gradient.
Apparatus for layer manufacturing, comprising at least one nozzle for extruding material and at least one actuator for moving said nozzle in such a way as to selectively deposit said extruded material layer by layer,
- The Improvement Comprising at least one chamber adapted for mixing a plurality of materials for extrusion though said nozzle, in such a manner that the ratio of said materials in said extruded mixture varies gradually.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.