Abstract: A method for providing color to a stereolithographically produced model is disclosed. This method comprises obtaining data representing the model, such that the data is readable by a stereolithographic model generating machine for solidifying layers of a liquid resin in a vat creating resin layers to create successive cross sections of the model. Each of the resin layers are exposed with energy effective for solidifying the resin. One or more portions of at least one of the resin layers are overexposed with an energy according to a coloring or shading indicated in the data. The model is heated with an effective amount of heat to induce a color or shading change in substantially only the overexposed portions of the model. The model is removed from the vat and cleaned. Next, the model can be exposed to an energy source, followed by the finishing of the model.

Abstract: A solid imaging printer for generating colorized three-dimensional models is disclosed. The solid imaging printer comprises a printerhead assembly having a plurality of compartments, at least one of the compartments receives a model building material from an attached conduit, and each of at least three of the compartments retains a differently colored model building material for applying substantially to a surface of a model generated by the solid imaging printer. The solid imaging printer also comprises a controller for directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials for generating the model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials. The controller accesses model defining information and directs each of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials to be jetted from the compartments on to the model as it is being generated.

Abstract: A machine readable medium containing a data structure for processing color data for a three-dimensional object, the data structure comprising separating color data of a full color three-dimensional object in a pre-processing module into data of three primary colors; using the data of three primary colors to create data for separate shell objects of the three primary colors; and transferring the color data and the data for separate shell objects to a solid imaging printer.

Abstract: A method of generating colorized three-dimensional models with a solid imaging printer is disclosed. The method comprises discharging a model building material to a plurality of compartments in a printerhead assembly, applying simultaneously to a surface the model building material and the differently colored model building materials generated by the solid imaging printer to create the three-dimensional model, and directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials with a controller for generating the three-dimensional model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials.

Abstract: A solid imaging printer for generating colorized three-dimensional models is disclosed. The solid imaging printer comprises a printerhead assembly having a plurality of compartments, wherein at least one of the compartments receives a model building material from an attached conduit, and each of at least three of the compartments retains a differently colored model building material for applying substantially to a surface of a model generated by the solid imaging printer. A controller for directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials for generating the model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials.

Abstract: A method for providing color to a stereolithographically produced model is disclosed. This method comprises obtaining data representing the model, such that the data is readable by a stereolithographic model generating machine for solidifying layers of a liquid resin in a vat creating resin layers to create successive cross sections of the model. Each of the resin layers are exposed with energy effective for solidifying the resin. One or more portions of at least one of the resin layers are overexposed with an energy according to a coloring or shading indicated in the data. The model is heated with an effective amount of heat to induce a color or shading change in substantially only the overexposed portions of the model. The model is removed from the vat and cleaned. Next, the model can be exposed to an energy source, followed by the finishing of the model.