Compositions and methods for use in three dimensional model printing

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of producing three-dimensional prototype molds for use in investment casting. The method includes dispensing modeling material and support material in a predetermined arrangement, in layers, to produce a three-dimensional mold having an outer shell. Generally, the out shell includes modeling material and the interior of the mold includes support material. Then the mold is cured.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 725,995 filed Dec. 3, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 424,732, filed Apr. 29, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 803,108, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,373, filed 12 Mar. 2001, which claims priority of provisional application 60 / 188,698, filed 13 Mar. 2000, and provisional application 60 / 195,321 filed 10 Apr. 2000, each of which are incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 725,995 also claims priority of provisional application 60 / 430,362, filed 3 Dec. 2002 incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to three-dimensional object building in general and to methods and compositions for use in three-dimensional printing of complex structures in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0074] One embodiment of the present invention further provides an apparatus for printing a three-dimensional object, including, inter alia, a controller to enable constructing a support construction, constructing a rigid exterior around the support construction, and constructing a release layer around the rigid exterior, the release layer being between the rigid exterior and the object. In another embodiment, the rigid exterior may have a substantially similar strength and elasticity to the object. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable constructing a grid from modeling material, the grid disposed within the support construction. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable removal of the support construction as a whole. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable leaving a space for the release layer between the object and the support construction. In another embodiment, one or more release layers may remain in a non-solidified state while exposed to radiation. In another embodiment, one or more release layers may partially solidify upon irradiation. In another embodiment, one or more release layers may be non-planar. In another embodiment, one or more release layers may be deposited at selected locations. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable constructing a plurality of direction indicators, the indicators indicating an order of priority in removal of the support constructions. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable constructing the support construction with a tapered shape in the direction of preferred removal. In another embodiment, the controller is to enable depositing on the support construction support construction indicators.

Problems solved by technology

The compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,316 are complex molecules that are not readily available and thus need to be especially synthesized, which incurs additional time and costs.

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