Materials and methods for freeform fabrication of solid three-dimensional objects using fusible, water-containing support materials

Abstract

Materials and methods for freeform fabrication of a solid three-dimensional object are provided. At least one layer of support material and at least one layer of build material are dispensed onto a substrate. The support material includes at least one of water and a fusible water-containing substance and the build material is a substance other than water or a fusible, water-containing substance. After solidification, the at least one layer of support material is removed by an automated or manual process which includes washing with water at ambient temperature and/or causing the support material to undergo a phase change, to produce the solid three-dimensional object.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.