3-D model maker

A 3-D model maker for producing a 3-D model by sequentially forming layer upon layer, by plotting vectors of modeling material, one layer at a time comprising:

• a) a support means defining a surface for supporting the 3-D model during production;
• b) a drop on demand jet means for ejecting bead producing drops of molten modeling material one drop at a time upon demand to meld with previously deposited beads, thereby to plot vectors of modeling material defining the layers;
• c) mounting means mounting the jet means i) for simultaneous movement along at least two axes of an X, Y, Z axis coordinate system relative to said surface to move the jet means along any desired vector direction while said jet means plots said vectors of modeling material on said surface and ii) for movement of the jet means, when desired, along all three of the X, Y, Z axes of the system, relative to said surface;
• and
• d) control means i) for providing vector plotting control of movement of the mounting means to move the jet means simultaneously along the at least two axes of the X, Y, Z axis coordinate system, ii) for controlling the timing of the ejection of bead producing drops of molten modeling material by the jet means to overlap previously deposited beads to a desired extent and to meld with previously deposited beads to generate vectors of modeling material, defined by the beads, in any and all directions required to produce, layer by layer by vector plotting, at least the other surface defining walls of the model being formed with a desired surface quality, and iii) for providing model fill and support control of deposition of at least one of molten modeling material, a molten fill and support material, and a powder fill and support material, to produce at least one of support for cantilever portions and other overhanging portions of the model during production and filling interior spaces of the model by at least one of vector plotting, raster scanning, spraying and deposition.