Digital 3D Fabrication Using Multi-Layered Mold

A method for fabricating a three dimensional (3D) structure using a digital description of a 3D object, the method comprising:

• depositing a layer of a mold material having a predetermined thickness;
• patterning the layer of said mold material using a portion of the digital description such that the layer defines a void portion having a size corresponding to a cross section of said 3D structure;
• depositing a modeling material into said void portion such that said modeling material forms a corresponding section of said fabricated 3D structure;
• and
• repeating said depositing and patterning until a plurality of said patterned mold material layers form a multi-layered mold that substantially encases a contiguous series of said sections collectively forming said fabricated 3D structure.

A system for fabricating a three dimensional (3D) structure using a digital description of a 3D object, the system comprising:

• mold generating means for depositing a layer of a mold material having a predetermined thickness, and for patterning the layer of said mold material using a portion of the digital description such that the layer defines a void portion having a size corresponding to an associated cross section of said 3D structure;
• deposition means for depositing a modeling material into said void portion such that said modeling material forms a corresponding section of said fabricated 3D structure;
• and
• means for controlling said mold generating means and said deposition means in accordance with said digital description to sequentially generate, pattern and deposit said modeling material until a plurality of said patterned mold material layers form a multi-layered mold that substantially encases a contiguous series of said sections collectively forming said fabricated 3D structure.