Method and apparatus for fabricating three dimensional models

A contact coating device comprising:

• a high viscosity rapid deposition head comprising a deposition body defining a material supply passage;
• a dispensing/shaping nozzle being formed in a leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head for dispensing of the high viscosity material from the high viscosity rapid deposition head, and the dispensing/shaping nozzle comprising a material dispensing cavity;
• the dispensing/shaping nozzle having a discharge orifice being formed in the leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head and the discharge orifice having a width which extends across a major portion of a width of the leading end surface;
• at least one dispensing passage providing communication between the material supply passage and the dispensing/shaping nozzle for suppling the high viscosity material to the material dispensing cavity for dispensing the high viscosity material through the discharge orifice;
• and
• a heating element for heating a portion of the high viscosity rapid deposition head and facilitating flow of the high viscosity material through the high viscosity rapid deposition head and into the material dispensing cavity.

A contact coating device comprising:

• a high viscosity rapid deposition head comprising a deposition body defining a material supply passage;
• a dispensing/shaping nozzle being formed in a leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head for dispensing of the high viscosity material from the high viscosity rapid deposition head, and the dispensing/shaping nozzle comprising a material dispensing cavity being formed in and extending into the deposition body;
• the dispensing/shaping nozzle having a discharge orifice being formed in the leading end surface of the high viscosity rapid deposition head;
• at least one dispensing passage providing communication between the material supply passage and the dispensing/shaping nozzle for suppling the high viscosity material to the material dispensing cavity for dispensing the high viscosity material through the discharge orifice;
• a transverse cross sectional flow area of the discharge orifice being larger than a transverse cross sectional flow area of the at least one dispensing passage;
• and
• a heating element for heating a portion of the high viscosity rapid deposition head and facilitating flow of the high viscosity material through the high viscosity rapid deposition head and into the material dispensing cavity.