High-precision modeling filament
AssigneeStratasys, Inc.
InventorsJames W. Comb, William R. Priedeman, Jr., Paul J. Leavitt, Robert L. Skubic, John Samuel Batchelder
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Abstract
Disclosed is a modeling filament for use as feedstock in a fused deposition modeling liquifier, and a method for manufacturing the filament. The diameter and standard deviation of the filament are controlled to meet various tolerance requirements of jam resistance, slip resistance, model strength, liquifier overflow prevention and hysteresis-free transient response. Standard deviation of the filament diameter is matched to a filament target diameter. The resulting filament is used to form high-quality models.
Claims23
A method of forming a three-dimensional object in a fused deposition modeling machine which includes a liquifier having an inner diameter dL and which receives a feedstock of solid modeling material and deposits melted material in roads of width W and height L, the method comprising the steps of:
- using as the modeling material feedstock a filament having an average diameter <dF> according to the relationship 0.84 dL<<dF><dL−6σF and a standard deviation σF of:
- σ
- F
- ≤
- 2
-
- LWS
- s
- 3
-
- π
- <
-
- d
- F
- >
- Δ
-
-
- S
- g
- where SS is a maximum allowable seam gap at a junction of two roads, and ΔSg is expected average movement of a meniscus within the liquifier.
A method of forming a three dimensional object in a fused deposition modeling machine which includes a liquifier having an inner diameter dL and which receives a feedstock of solid modeling material and deposits melted material in roads of width W and height L, the method comprising the steps of:
- using as the modeling feedstock a filament having a length greater than 20 feet, having an average diameter of between 0.069-0.074 inches, and having a standard deviation of the diameter of less than or equal to 0.0004 inches.
A method of extrusion in an extrusion apparatus of the type that includes a liquifier having an inner diameter dL which receives a feedstock of a solid material and a tip which deposits said material in molten form in roads of width W and height L, the method comprising the step of:
- using as the feedstock a filament having an average diameter <dF> according to the relationship 0.84 dL<<dF><dL−6σF. and a standard deviation σF of:
- σ
- F
- ≤
- 2
-
- LWS
- s
- 3
-
- π
- <
-
- d
- F
- >
- Δ
-
-
- S
- g
- where SS is a maximum allowable seam gap at a junction of two roads, and ΔSg is expected average movement of a meniscus within the liquifier.
A method of extrusion in an extrusion apparatus of the type that includes a liquifier which receives a feedstock of a solid material and a tip which deposits said material in molten form in roads of width W and height L, the method comprising the step of:
- using as the feedstock a filament having a length greater than 20 feet, having an average diameter <dF> of between 0.069-0.074 inches, and having a standard deviation of the diameter σF of less than or equal to 0.0004 inches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.