This invention applies a new computer and printer
integrated technology to aid forming physical objects rapidly, and the method and apparatus are disclosed to satisfy the market requirements for a quick, reliable, safe, and inexpensive operation. The invention coverts a virtual object stored in the storage device of computer through
software that slices the virtual object into many
layers. The cross-section of the first layer is sent to a printer or a
plotter, and the contour domain is printed or plotted by the printer or
plotter. The fluid (not limited to binder) in the printer head is coated onto a layer of uniform distributed porous material which allows the
powder and fluid to combine with each other; however, the combining process can be either a natural or an artificial process to enhance the
binding force between the fluid and
powder. After the first layer is finished, the second layer of
powder is uniformly distributed on the first layer, and the contour printing process is repeated. As the printing process is repeated until all
slicing layers of the model are finished, the object is stacked layer by layer sequentially. The physical object can be obtained after all the unglued powders are removed. The above-mentioned printing process not only produces
monochrome objects, but also produces color objects. The
machine includes components of a printer or
plotter and its interface card, and x-z axis traversal driven mechanism. The operation platforms include a
material supply chamber, a constructing chamber at which powder material is combined with solution, and a recycling hole. A
slicing algorithm control software is used to calculate the cross-sectional contour, and the manufacture process is controlled by
software and hardware interfaces.