Compositions and methods for use in three dimensional model printing

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of producing three-dimensional prototype molds for use in investment casting. The method includes dispensing modeling material and support material in a predetermined arrangement, in layers, to produce a three-dimensional mold having an outer shell. Generally, the out shell includes modeling material and the interior of the mold includes support material. Then the mold is cured.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 725,995 filed Dec. 3, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 424,732, filed Apr. 29, 2003, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 803,108, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,373, filed 12 Mar. 2001, which claims priority of provisional application 60 / 188,698, filed 13 Mar. 2000, and provisional application 60 / 195,321 filed 10 Apr. 2000, each of which are incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 725,995 also claims priority of provisional application 60 / 430,362, filed 3 Dec. 2002 incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to three-dimensional object building in general and to methods and compositions for use in three-dimensional printing of complex structures in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to compositions for use in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects by a method of selective dispensing. The compositions include a reactive component, a photo-initiator, a surface-active agent, and a stabilizer. The compositions have a first viscosity at room temperature and a second viscosity at a higher temperature. The reactive component may be an acrylic component, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrolidone, or any combination thereof. The composition may also include at least one pigment and at least one dispersant. The first viscosity of the composition is greater than 80 cps and the second viscosity is lower than 20 cps at the second temperature. The invention also provides a composition for use as a support and / or release material in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. The composition has a first viscosity at room temperature and a second viscosity at a higher temperature. The reactive component may be an acrylic component, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrolidone, or any combination thereof. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects using the compositions described herein."

Problems solved by technology

The compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,316 are complex molecules that are not readily available and thus need to be especially synthesized, which incurs additional time and costs.

Images