Method for three-dimensional modeling
AssigneeStratasys, Inc.
InventorWilliam R. Priedeman, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A three-dimensional model and its support structure are built by fused deposition modeling techniques, wherein a thermoplastic material containing silicone is used to form the support structure and/or the model. The thermoplastic material containing silicone exhibits good thermal stability, and resists build-up in the nozzle of an extrusion head or jetting head of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. The silicone contained in a support material acts as a release agent to facilitate removal of the support structure from the model after its completion.
Claims24
An additive-process method for building a three-dimensional model comprising:
- providing a solid feedstock of a first thermoplastic material to at least one extrusion head;
- melting the solid feedstock of the first thermoplastic material in the at least one extrusion head;
- depositing layers of the first thermoplastic material from the at least one extrusion head into a heated build chamber to form the three-dimensional model;
- providing a solid feedstock of a second thermoplastic material to the at least one extrusion head;
- melting the solid feedstock of the second thermoplastic material in the at least one extrusion head;
- and
- depositing layers of the second thermoplastic material into the heated build chamber to form a support structure for the three-dimensional model, wherein the second thermoplastic material contains between about 0.5 and 10 weight percent of a silicone release agent.
An additive-process method for building a three-dimensional model and a support structure therefor, the method comprising:
- feeding a modeling material in a solid state to a deposition modeling system;
- melting the modeling material in the deposition modeling system;
- depositing layers of the melted modeling material into a heated build chamber of the deposition modeling system to form the three-dimensional model;
- feeding a support material in a solid state to the deposition modeling system, wherein the support material comprises a thermoplastic composition containing between about 1-10 weight percent of a silicone release agent;
- melting the support material in the deposition modeling system;
- depositing layers of the melted support material into the heated build chamber to form the support structure;
- and
- separating the support structure from the three-dimensional object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.