Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing build material transfer means effective to transfer solidifiable liquid build material from a first side of a radiation transparent build material carrier to a receiving substrate without entrapping air bubbles in layers of transferred solidifiable liquid build material and to cleanly separate the solidified build material from the radiation transparent build material carrier as each layer is formed during the layerwise building of a three-dimensional object. An expandable membrane forming an arcuate dome and a reciprocatible flexible film are employed to effect transfer of the solidifiable liquid build material.

Abstract: A post processing apparatus for automated removal of support material from a three-dimensional objected formed from a build material by selective deposition modeling is provided. The apparatus includes a heated main chamber into which is placed the three-dimensional object with the support material attached and first and second liquid heat transfer medium storage reservoirs. The storage reservoirs reversibly provide liquid heat transfer medium to the main chamber to immerse the three-dimensional object and the attached support material for desired periods of time to meltingly separate the support material from the object.

Abstract: A ventilation and cooling system for a selective deposition modeling apparatus dispensing a curable material. The ventilation and cooling system captures airborne contaminants in the apparatus making the apparatus suitable for use in an office environment. A pressure drop is established within the apparatus to assure that all air that enters the apparatus passes through a filter which captures the airborne contaminants before the air is expelled from the apparatus. Sensors are provided to assure that the ventilation and cooling system is function properly, and if not, the apparatus is either shut down or a signal is provided to the operator indicating that the system is not functioning properly.

Abstract: A ventilation and cooling system for a selective deposition modeling apparatus dispensing a curable material. The ventilation and cooling system captures airborne contaminants in the apparatus making the apparatus suitable for use in an office environment. A pressure drop is established within the apparatus to assure that all air that enters the apparatus passes through a filter which captures the airborne contaminants before the air is expelled from the apparatus. Sensors are provided to assure that the ventilation and cooling system is function properly, and if not, the apparatus is either shut down or a signal is provided to the operator indicating that the system is not functioning properly.