Printing multicolored three-dimensional products
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAlan B. Dawson, James P. Hodgson, Gordon D. Hutchison, Matthew B. White
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for printing multicolored three-dimensional objects. The method includes: selectively exposing a photosensitive thermoplastic feedstock to light within an extrusion nozzle, the feedstock comprising a thermoplastic base mixed with a photosensitive material; extruding the exposed feedstock into a deposit to print an object; and photo-chemically developing the deposit to provide color to the deposit. An apparatus is provided for three-dimensional printing with an extrusion nozzle including a light exposing component for selectively exposing the photosensitive thermoplastic feedstock to light within the extrusion nozzle.
Claims7
An apparatus for printing multicolored three-dimensional objects using an extruded feedstock to print an object, comprising:
- a feedstock input component for receiving a feedstock comprising a thermoplastic base mixed with a photosensitive material which is kept removed from exposure to light;
- an extrusion nozzle for extruding an exposed feedstock into a deposit to print the object and a light exposing component for selectively exposing the photosensitive thermoplastic feedstock to light within the extrusion nozzle;
- and
- a developing component for photo-chemically developing the deposit to provide color to the deposit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.