Abstract: A system that aesthetically dispenses melted wax includes a plurality of elongated heating cases, a plurality of wax cartridges, and a plurality of transfer canisters. The plurality of elongated heating cases is used to heat up wax or similar crayon material which is placed inside of the plurality of wax cartridges. The plurality of wax cartridges is used to hold wax or similar crayon material. The plurality of transfer canisters is used to store the plurality of wax cartridges when not in use and to transfer a wax cartridge from the plurality of wax cartridges into an elongated heating case of the plurality of elongated heating cases.

Abstract: A system that aesthetically dispenses melted wax includes a plurality of elongated heating cases, a plurality of wax cartridges, and a plurality of transfer canisters. The plurality of elongated heating cases is used to heat up wax or similar crayon material which is placed inside of the plurality of wax cartridges. The plurality of wax cartridges is used to hold wax or similar crayon material. The plurality of transfer canisters is used to store the plurality of wax cartridges when not in use and to transfer a wax cartridge from the plurality of wax cartridges into an elongated heating case of the plurality of elongated heating cases.

Abstract: In solid freeform fabrication processes that make use of a removable support material, pre-calculation of the amount of support material needed for a build is difficult (inaccurate or slow) because the digital data for generating the support material is often not generated until the build is in progress. A method is proposed that has been shown to generate rapid and accurate estimates of the amount of both build and support material needed before a build begins, to accurately predict before a build begins when replenishment materials are needed, and to track material consumptions over time.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic process for forming three-dimensional objects using an improved support structure and the improved support structure is described. The support structure is formed by using differential curing of the liquid media material to form solid supports with weak points at selected locations to facilitate support removal from a three-dimensional object and minimize post-processing.

Abstract: An improved slicing technique is disclosed that employs micro-slicing or intermediate slices by identifying intermediate triangle vertices in the STL data and passing slice layers through each intermediate vertex to create a final build object or part that has smoother contouring, greater accuracy and an improved surface appearance than parts obtained using prior slicing methods.

Abstract: In solid freeform fabrication processes that make use of a removable support material, pre-calculation of the amount of support material needed for a build is difficult (inaccurate or slow) because the digital data for generating the support material is often not generated until the build is in progress. A method is proposed that has been shown to generate rapid and accurate estimates of the amount of both build and support material needed before a build begins, to accurately predict before a build begins when replenishment materials are needed, and to track material consumptions over time.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic process for forming three-dimensional objects using an improved support structure is disclosed. The support structure is formed by using differential curing of the liquid media material to form solid supports with weak points at selected locations to facilitate support removal from a three-dimensional object and minimize post-processing.

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic process for forming three-dimensional objects using an improved support structure. The support structure is formed by using differential curing of the liquid media material to form solid supports with weak points at selected locations to facilitate support removal from a three-dimensional object and minimize post-processing.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects with simplified correlation of building parameters with object data. Object data is preferably correlated to (1) object build parameters that are used in solidifying object portions of layers of the material, (2) recoating parameters that are used in forming layers of material that include object data, (3) support build parameters that are used in solidifying support portions of layers of the material, (4) recoating parameters that are used in forming layers of material that include support data but no object data, and (5) parameters for use in generating a support structure that will be used to support the object during its formation. A style file is identified with each set of parameters. An algorithm (i.e. style wizard) is used to select among a plurality of styles of each type.