Soluble material and process for three-dimensional modeling
AssigneeStratasys, Inc.
InventorsWilliam R. Priedeman, Jr., Andrea L. Brosch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for three-dimensional modeling in which an alkali-soluble thermoplastic material is used in an additive deposition process to form a soluble support structure (28) for a three-dimensional object (26) under construction. The alkali-soluble thermoplastic material includes a base polymer of carboxylic acid and a plasticizer. Following formation, the object (26) is placed in an alkaline bath to dissolve the support structure (28). The alkali-soluble material can be used to form an alkali-soluble three-dimensional object (26).
Claims37
In a process for making a three-dimensional object by dispensing solidifiable modeling material in a predetermined pattern so as to define the three-dimensional object in coordination with dispensing solidifiable support material so as to define a support structure for the three-dimensional object, the support structure thereby having portions thereof in contact with the object, the improvement comprising:
- forming at least those portions of the support structure contacting the object from an alkali-soluble thermoplastic material comprising:
- a base polymer containing a carboxylic acid;
- and
- a plasticizer.
An additive process for making three-dimensional objects, comprising:
- dispensing an alkali-insoluble modeling material in a predetermined pattern defining a three-dimensional object having overhanging portions that require support during formation;
- and
- dispensing an alkali-soluble support material in the space beneath the overhanging portions of the three-dimensional object in coordination with the dispensing of the modeling material to form a three-dimensional support structure for the object, the alkali-soluble support material comprising a base polymer containing between about 15 weight percent and 60 weight percent of a carboxylic acid, and a plasticizer;
- whereby the alkali-soluble support material may be dissolved from the three-dimensional object by application of an alkaline solution.
In a process for making three-dimensional objects by depositing solidifiable material onto a base, the improvement comprising
- providing as the solidifiable material an alkali-soluble thermoplastic comprising:
- a base polymer containing a carboxylic acid;
- and
- a plasticizer.
As an article of manufacture, a three-dimensional object comprised of an alkali-soluble thermoplastic material comprising:
- a base polymer containing a carboxylic acid;
- and
- a plasticizer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.