Droplet selection systems and methods for freeform fabrication of three-dimensional objects

The assembly according to claim 7, wherein said droplet selection system comprises:

• an electrical charging device for applying an electrical charge to said ligaments;
• a deflector device for deflecting selected ones of said charged droplets away from said substrate;
• and
• a gutter structure for accumulating said deflected droplets.

In an arrangement for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by selectively and incrementally depositing different forming materials on a substrate, an assembly for depositing said forming materials comprising:

• a plurality of containers for holding reservoirs of said forming materials;
• a plurality of closeable openings disposed one each in the bottom of each of said containers through which said forming materials flow towards said substrate;
• a mechanical apparatus for forcing said forming materials through each of said containers, and for agitating said forming materials such that said forming materials break up into droplets flowing towards said substrate;
• and
• a flow selection apparatus for controlling the flow of said forming materials such that only one of said forming materials is deposited on said substrate at any given moment;
• wherein the mechanical apparatus comprises means for dynamically varying the effective size of the openings.

A method for forming a three-dimensional object by selectively and incrementally depositing a forming material on a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

• heating a reservoir of a forming material in a container having an opening on the bottom thereof;
• dynamically varying the effective size of said opening to form a variable-size flow of said molten forming material through said opening;
• ejecting said flow from said container and through said opening;
• agitating said flow such that said flow breaks up into variable-diameter droplets flowing towards said substrate;
• and
• selectively depositing said flow in layers on said substrate exclusively where required to form said three-dimensional object.