Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A continuous liquid interface production system includes a source of optical stimulation. The system includes a vessel configured to retain a pool or film of optically sensitive monomer and a substantially optically transparent plate retained by the vessel. The optical stimulation is directed through the plate and into the pool or the film based upon a sliced 3D model of the part. The system includes source of reaction inhibitor wherein the substantially optically transparent plate allows the reaction inhibitor to permeate through the plate and into the pool or the film such that a sufficient amount of reaction inhibitor is within the pool or the film to create a zone proximate the plate that prevents polymerization therein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A continuous liquid interface production system includes a source of optical stimulation. The system includes a vessel configured to retain a pool or film of optically sensitive monomer and a substantially optically transparent plate retained by the vessel. The optical stimulation is directed through the plate and into the pool or the film based upon a sliced 3D model of the part. The system includes source of reaction inhibitor wherein the substantially optically transparent plate allows the reaction inhibitor to permeate through the plate and into the pool or the film such that a sufficient amount of reaction inhibitor is within the pool or the film to create a zone proximate the plate that prevents polymerization therein.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A support material feedstock comprising a first copolymer and a polymeric impact modifier, where the first copolymer includes a first monomer unit comprising a carboxyl group and a second monomer unit comprising a phenyl group.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.

Abstract: A support material feedstock comprising a first copolymer and a polymeric impact modifier, where the first copolymer includes a first monomer unit comprising a carboxyl group and a second monomer unit comprising a phenyl group.

Abstract: A method for building a 3D object with an extrusion-based layered deposition system comprising feeding a modified ABS material to an extrusion head of the extrusion-based layered deposition system, melting the fed modified ABS material in the extrusion head under conditions that improve a response time of the extrusion head, and depositing the molten thermoplastic material in a layer-by-layer manner to form the 3D object.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for building three-dimensional models by deposition modeling techniques from moisture-sensitive thermoplastics. A feedstock of thermoplastic modeling material is dried to a low moisture content and supplied to a dispensing head of a modeling apparatus. The dry thermoplastic material is heated in a liquifier and deposited in a predetermined pattern so as to build a three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A filament cassette and a filament loading assembly supply modeling filament to a liquifier in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. Two or more cassettes containing spooled filament are inserted into the machine. A strand of filament from a first one of the cassettes is fed to the liquifier for extrusion. Without operator intervention, the filament strand from the first cassette is withdrawn from the liquifier, and a filament strand from a second one of the cassettes is fed to the liquifier. The switching of filament feed sources is triggered by an event, such as an identification that the filament from the first cassette has reached a predetermined minimum length. In this manner, a used primary filament cassette is automatically replaced with a standby filament cassette, so that the machine need not experience downtime waiting for an operator to change the cassettes.

Abstract: Filament is loaded into an extrusion apparatus, such as a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine, by inserting a cassette containing filament into the apparatus. A filament strand from the cassette is then advanced into the machine, such as by operating a thumb wheel or a follower wheel on the cassette. The filament loading method of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus which extrudes flowable material from a liquifier includes a system for loading filament supplied in a cassette. The cassette is loaded into a loading bay of the apparatus. A strand of filament from the cassette is engaged and advanced along a path to the liquifier using a drive wheel or roller pair. A conduit having an entrance in the loading bay guides the filament as it is advanced. The filament loading system of the present invention provides a convenient manner of loading and unloading filament in a three-dimensional modeling machine, and can be implemented in a manner that protects the filament from environmental moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is a modeling technique wherein a three-dimensional model and its support structure are built by fused deposition modeling, using a thermoplastic blended material containing a polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) polymer and a polycarbonate (PC) polymer to form the model. The PPSF/PC blend exhibits good chemical resistance, thermal stability, and resists build-up in the nozzle of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. Removal of the support structure from a completed model is facilitated by operating on the material while it is hot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modeling technique wherein a three-dimensional model and its support structure are built by fused deposition modeling, using a thermoplastic blended material containing a polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) polymer and a polycarbonate (PC) polymer to form the model. The PPSF/PC blend exhibits good chemical resistance, thermal stability, and resists build-up in the nozzle of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus. Removal of the support structure from a completed model is facilitated by operating on the material while it is hot.