Abstract: A ceramic or metal feedstock composition useful for manufacture of prototype elements using a filament or ribbon deposition apparatus, includes a ceramic or metal powder, a binder of ethylene/acrylate copolymer or homopolymer, a wax and liquid plasticizer mixed together in the form of a ribbon or rod which may then be used in a prototyping device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates compositions and methods for the preparation of three-dimensional bodies e.g., green bodies, ceramic-loaded green bodies, and polymer matrix composites by the controlled, sequential deposition of layers of material upon one another The method for preparing a green body comprises depositing a liquid composition having a viscosity of at least about 10 poise and comprising thermally-polymerizable components onto a base in a predetermined pattern to form a layer of the liquid composition on the base. Subsequently, at least one further layer of the liquid composition is deposited on a previously-formed layer in a predetermined pattern to form a multi-layered intermediate and, then, the multi-layered intermediate is heated to cause the thermally-polymerizable components to polymerize, providing the three-dimensional green body. Another method of the present invention provides a method for reinforcing a green body with fibers.

Abstract: A carrier is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such as polyetheretherketone which is formed or fabricated as a uniform thickness, double sided flat sheet of material with wafer passages therethrough and gear teeth formed or fabricated around the peripheral edge thereof so as to be cooperative with a wafer polishing machine. An extrusion or rolling or calendering process provides a flat carrier which is, optionally, coated with thermoset polymer or thermoplastic film.