Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: Rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) methods and apparatus are disclosed that form objects with enhanced accuracy and small feature retention. Techniques for offsetting cross-sectional boundary data to at least partially accommodate for solidification width induced in a medium by a beam of radiation are provided. One technique uses repeated small offsets to yield an effective offset of a desired amount. A second technique uses displacement vectors to determine where and to what extent to offset the boundary segments. The offset amount for each vertex is determined based on a combination of the (1) the vertex angle, and (2) a predefined variable offset criteria which is different for at least two predefined ranges of angles. A third technique converts a single boundary segments into a plurality of offset boundary segments when the single boundary segment can not undergo the full desired offset without violating another offsetting rule.

Abstract: A method of manipulating data in a method for forming a three-dimensional object layer by layer from an ink jettable, solidifiable material by providing data corresponding to a plurality of polygons defining the outer surfaces of a plurality of three-demiensional objects and providing sets of x, y, and z coordinates corresponding to each layer and identifying x and y coordinates with each z coordinate such that directional values and counter values are determined for each y coordinate in a first set of coordinates generated. A second set of y coordinates are generated according to a formula that permits the determined layers to be processed to form a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to various methods and an apparatus for building a three-dimensional object represented by object data and support data using thermal stereolithography. Some preferred embodiments of the building techniques include multiple building materials, wherein, in some preferred embodiments, a different building material is used to build the object and the support. Embodiments of the methods for building three-dimensional objects include manipulation of the data, which is represented by a plurality of start/stop transitions to facilitate the computation of Boolean operations. In preferred embodiments, the object is built by selective disposition of the building materials in accordance with the object and support data.