TW201607740A - Generating a three-dimensional object - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one example, there is provided a system for generating a three-dimensional object. The system comprises a carriage to move bi-directionally along a first axis relative to a support platform. The carriage is to receive, or have installed thereon, a plurality of modules each to perform an operation from a set of operations to generate a layer of a three-dimensional object. The system further comprises a controller to cause relative movement between the carriage and the support platform along the first axis, and to control, during the relative movement, operation of the modules to perform the set of operations in a predefined order.

Description

Technique for generating three-dimensional objects

The present invention relates to techniques for producing three-dimensional objects.

Background of the invention

The additive manufacturing system enables the generation of three-dimensional objects on a layer-by-layer basis.

The time to manufacture a three-dimensional object using such systems is related to the speed at which the build material layer can be formed and selectively cured.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for producing a three-dimensional object is specifically provided, comprising: a carrier for bidirectional movement along a first axis relative to a support platform, the carrier for receiving or being mounted thereon Installing a plurality of modules each for performing an operation from a set of operations to generate a layer of a three-dimensional object; and a controller for: causing relative movement between the carrier and the support platform along the first axis And during the relative motion, controlling the modules to perform the operations of the set operation in a predetermined order.

100‧‧‧Plus manufacturing systems, systems

102‧‧‧Support platform

103, 302‧‧‧ shell

104, 600‧‧‧ Vehicles

105‧‧‧Support elements

106, 106a-b‧‧‧ Construction material dispenser

108, 108a-b, 109a-b‧‧‧ agent dispenser

110, 110a-b‧‧‧Energy

112‧‧‧Plus Manufacturing System Controller

114‧‧‧Processor

116‧‧‧ memory

118‧‧‧Control instructions

120‧‧‧Control data

122, 123‧‧‧ directions

202, 204‧‧‧ squares

301, 301a-b‧‧‧ construction material receptacle

304‧‧‧Mobile platform

306‧‧‧Mobile components

308‧‧‧Building materials

404‧‧ layer

408‧‧‧Energy

602, 604a-b, 606a-b‧‧‧ modules

The embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 2 is a flow chart, illustrating a method of operating an additive manufacturing system in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side view of an additive manufacturing system in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 4 is an additive manufacturing system in accordance with an embodiment. a side view of a portion; FIG. 5 is a side view of a carrier configuration in accordance with an embodiment; FIGS. 6a through 6d are side views of a carrier configuration in accordance with various embodiments; and FIG. 7 is a portion of an additive manufacturing system in accordance with an embodiment. One side view; FIG. 8 is a side view of a carrier configuration in accordance with an embodiment; and FIG. 9 is a side view of a carrier configuration in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Some additive manufacturing systems produce three-dimensional articles via selective curing of a continuous layer of build material, such as a powdered build material. Several of these systems are capable of curing a portion of the build material by selectively depositing an agent to a layer of build material. For example, some systems may use a liquid tie to chemically cure the build material where the liquid linker is applied.

Other systems may, for example, use a liquid energy absorber or coalescent which results in the solidification of the build material when suitable energy, such as infrared light, can be applied to the build material onto which the energy absorber or coalescent has been applied. The brief application of energy can result in partial absorption of energy from the building material on which the coalescing agent has been delivered or that has been penetrated. This in turn causes these portions of the build material to heat above the melting point of the build material and coalesce. When cooling, already The coalesced portion becomes solid and forms part of the three-dimensional object to be created.

Other systems may use additional agents such as coalescence modifiers in combination with coalescents. The coalescing modifier is used, for example, to modify the degree of coalescence of portions of the build material onto which the coalescing agent has been delivered or that has been penetrated.

Fabricating a three-dimensional object through selective curing of a continuous layer of build material may involve a defined set of operations. In summary, the defined operations are performed sequentially in a predetermined order.

The first method, for example, is to form a layer of build material from which a layer of a three-dimensional object is created. Successive processing, for example, selectively deposits one or more agents to selected portions of the formed build material layer. In some embodiments, a further continuation process may be based on the deposition site of the agent, applying energy to the build material to cure the build material on which the agent has been deposited.

These processes are repeated to create a three-dimensional object layer by layer by selectively curing a portion of the splicing layer of the material.

Generating a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing system can be slightly time consuming. However, the embodiments described herein provide an additive manufacturing system that permits the manufacture of three-dimensional objects in a time efficient manner by providing a potentially efficient way to perform different ones of the foregoing processes. For example, in some embodiments, some or all of the methods may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

Referring now to Figure 1, a simplified isometric illustration of an additive manufacturing system 100 in accordance with an embodiment is shown.

System 100 includes a support platform 102 upon which a three-dimensional object can be produced. The system 100 is further included above the support platform 102, in a first direction 122 and in a second direction 123, a carrier 104 that is bi-directionally movable along the y-axis. In one embodiment, the support platform 102 is immovable and thus remains static on the x-axis. In one embodiment, the carrier 104 is movable along one or more carrier supports (not shown) that are movable, for example, over the y-axis above the support platform 102.

The carrier 104 can have a plurality of modules useful during the creation of the three-dimensional object or can be received thereon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, three such modules are illustrated: a build material dispenser 106; an agent dispenser 108; and an energy source 110. In other embodiments, the carrier 104 can mount or house additional, fewer, or different modules thereon as described in more detail below. For example, if the chemical bonding agent is dispensed from the agent dispenser 108, the energy module 110 may not be present in one embodiment.

The support platform 102 is mounted on a movable support member 105 on the z-axis, such as a piston, for example such that when the layers of the three-dimensional object are created, the support platform 102 can be moved stepwise or can be moved continuously to move downward. The support platform 102 is surrounded by an open housing 103 (shown in phantom). The support platform support platform 102 is movable from a topmost position of the substantially flush housing 103 to a position in which the support platform is substantially internal to the housing 103. The height of the housing 103 and the vertical travel length of the support platform 102 within the housing generally indicate the maximum height of the three-dimensional object that can be produced using the system 100.

The operation of the additive manufacturing system 100 is typically controlled by an additive manufacturing system controller 112. The controller 112 includes a processor 114, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, coupled to a non-transitory computer readable memory 116 via a communication bus (not illustrated). The memory 116 stores an additive manufacturing system control command 118, which is a machine readable command, which is processed by the processor The controller 114, when executed, causes the controller 112 to control the additive manufacturing system 100 as described in various embodiments in accordance with the control profile 120.

Control data 120 is, for example, data that can be derived from a digital model of a three-dimensional object. For example, for each layer of build material to be treated, the control data 120 can define the location of the drop of material or the deposition of each agent.

The additive manufacturing system 100 will now be described with additional reference to the flow chart of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the defined operations to be performed and the order of execution thereof are: 1) forming a build material layer; 2) depositing a selective agent on the formed build material layer; and 3) applying energy to The formed material layer is formed.

At block 202, the controller 112 controls the movement of the carrier 104 along the y-axis.

At block 204, when the carrier 104 is moved along the y-axis, the controller 112 controls the modules mounted on the carrier 104 to perform the defined operations in a predefined order.

In one embodiment, during a single pass of the carrier 104 over the support platform 102, the controller 122 controls the defined operations to be performed in a predefined order. For example, when the carrier 104 passes for the first time in the first direction 122, the controller 112 controls the build material dispenser 106 to form a layer of build material on the support platform 102, controlling the agent dispenser 108 to build the material. A droplet of the agent is deposited on the formation layer 404, and the energy source 110 is controlled to be applied to the formation layer 404 on which the droplets of the agent have been deposited.

In one embodiment, the energy source 110 is adapted to apply substantially uniform energy across portions of the build material layer.

In another embodiment, a first subset of the set of defined operations may be performed the first time through the support platform 102, and a second subset of the set of operations may pass through the support platform 102 a second time. When it is above. For example, the controller 112 can control the energy source 110 to operate during the second pass 123 over the support platform 102 for the second time.

It is contemplated that all or a portion of the defined operations performed upon one or more passes may be considered in accordance with various considerations. For example, one consideration is the arrangement of different modules on the carrier 104. Another consideration may be based on the specific details of the additive manufacturing system 100.

For example, the vehicle configuration of FIG. 1 only allows for the defined operations to be performed simultaneously in a predefined sequence during a single pass as the carrier moves in direction 122. However, the vehicle configuration of Figure 1 does allow the defined operations to be performed multiple times in a predefined order. For example, the modules 106 and 108 can operate in the first direction 123 for the first pass, and the module 110 can operate in the second direction 123 for the second pass.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the build material dispenser 106 includes an applicator, such as a squeegee or roller, to smear a quantitative volume of build material from the build material reservoir 301 across the support platform 102 to A layer of build material is formed on the support platform 102.

It should be noted, however, that the first layer of build material is formed directly on the surface of the support platform 102, and that successive layers of build material are formed on the previously formed layer build material. Accordingly, it must be understood that, as used herein, "formation of a layer of building material The representation on the support platform may depend on a particular context, and may refer to forming an initial layer directly on the support platform 102, or may refer to forming a layer of build material on the previously formed layer of build material. Similarly, as used herein, the "support platform surface" representation is based on a particular context and is intended to refer to the top surface of the support platform (when no build material layer is formed thereon) or may refer to a layer of build material on the support platform. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the build material reservoir 301 includes an open housing 302 having a mobile platform 304 mounted thereon for mounting on a mobile component 306 such as a piston. The build material 308 is disposed on a platform inside the housing 302. When a new layer of build material is formed, the mobile platform 304 is raised such that a small volume of build material 308 is raised above the top surface of the housing 302. As the carrier 104 moves in the first direction 122, the elevated volume of build material 308 is applied to the surface of the support platform 102 by the build material dispenser 106, while a layer of build material is formed on the support platform 102. The resulting layer thickness can generally depend, for example, on the difference in height between the top of the housing 103 and the top of the support platform 102 (or the top of any of the layers of build material formed thereon).

In one embodiment, the thickness of the layer of build material formed by build material dispenser 106 can range from about 90 to 110 microns, although in other embodiments, a thinner or thicker layer of build material can be provided. . The resulting build material layer surface is parallel to the y-axis (as shown in Figure 1), and in one embodiment, can be substantially horizontal.

As previously described, the build material dispenser 106 can form a first layer of build material directly on the support platform 102 and can form a tie layer build material on the previously formed layer build material. When a new layer of building material is formed On top of the previously formed build-up material layer, the thickness of the new layer changes slightly depending on the surface profile from which the layer was previously formed.

In one embodiment, the build material dispenser 106 is a passive component and thus does not require specific control. In other words, controlling the carrier 104 to move in the first direction 122 is sufficient to control the build material dispenser 106 to form a layer of build material.

In another embodiment, the build material dispenser 106 can be an active component. For example, it may include or be coupled to a build material hopper (not shown) that may be controlled to move, for example, under the action of gravity, or under mechanical pressure, when moving in the first direction 122 A certain volume of build material is fed in front of the build material dispenser 106. In another embodiment, the build material dispenser 106 can include an electric roller that can be controlled to rotate in the opposite direction of the first direction 122 (eg, when the carrier is moved in the first direction 122, the roller can be controlled Turn in a counterclockwise direction).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the carrier 104 is moved in the first direction 122, a substantially uniform layer 404 of build material is progressively formed by the build material dispenser 106. However, a complete layer of build material is formed only when the carrier 104 has fully moved through the support platform 102.

In one embodiment, the agent dispenser can be a printhead such as a thermal printhead or a piezoelectric printhead. These print heads can be the same or similar to those used in ink jet printing systems. In other embodiments, the agent dispenser can be a spray nozzle or an array of spray nozzles.

In the example shown in Figure 1, only a single agent dispenser 108 is shown which can be used to dispense a suitable bonding agent or polymer at selected locations of layer 404. Droplets of the knot. As mentioned above, the locations can be selected, for example, based on the control profile 120. For example, the control data 120 can cut an image of the slice according to one of the three-dimensional objects to be produced. In another embodiment, the agent dispenser 108 can be configured to deposit droplets of a plurality of agents at selected locations of the layer 404. In one embodiment, the agent dispenser 108 can selectively deposit droplets of coalescing agent, or can selectively deposit droplets of coalescing modifier on layer 404 independently.

Energy source 110 can be any suitable source of energy that emits electromagnetic radiation in any suitable form. The type of energy and thus the form of electromagnetic radiation emitted thereby can be selected, for example, based on the type of building material, the type of agent, or any suitable factor. Examples of suitable energy sources may include: an ultraviolet light source; an infrared light source; a visible light source; a microwave energy source; a heating roller, an ultrasonic source, and a laser light source.

Controller 112 controls the appropriate synchronization of the respective operations of the modules mounted on carrier 104. For example, the controller 112 can control the agent dispenser 108 to selectively deposit droplets of the agent only when the agent dispenser 108 is positioned over a section of the formed build material layer 404.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the order of the modules 106, 108, and 110 disposed on the carrier 104 can be modified in some instances, as illustrated in FIG. For example, in some embodiments, the build material dispenser 106 can be separated from the energy source 110 by placing the build material dispenser 106 therebetween. As such, for example, the shield construction material dispenser 106 is protected from receiving energy emitted by the energy source 110.

In the embodiments described above, all of the defined operations are During the single pass of the carrier 104, in order to create a subsequent layer of the three-dimensional object, the carrier 104 must be moved in the direction 122 back to the right side of the support platform 102 (as illustrated in Figure 1), during which time the module 106, 108 and 110 did not operate. In one embodiment, the time that the carrier 104 returns to the right side of the support platform 102 can be used for other operations, including, for example, a printhead maintenance operation; a heating operation; a mobile support platform; or the like.

For example, depending on the particular requirements, the controller 112 can control the additive manufacturing system 100 to operate in different ways.

In one embodiment, the controller 112 can control the carrier 104 shown in FIG. 5 to move from the right side of the support platform 102 to the left side of the support platform 102 in the first direction 122. In the first pass of direction 122, controller 112 can control build material dispenser 106 to form a layer of build material that can control agent dispenser 108 to deposit a selected location of the agent droplets on the formed build material layer. . Controller 112 can then control carrier 104 to move to the right of support platform 102 in direction 123 and modules 106, 108, and 110 are not operated. In the subsequent pass of direction 122, controller 112 can control energy source 110 to apply energy to the build material layer formed during the previous pass, and the agent can be deposited by the agent dispenser 108 on the layer. Controller 112 can then control the build material dispenser to form a new layer of build material. Controller 112 can then control the agent dispenser to deposit selected locations of the agent droplets on the formed layer of build material. Such a configuration is useful, for example, when it is desired to deposit an agent onto the layer of build material and to apply energy thereto thereto for a time lapse.

An additional speed advantage can be obtained by causing one of the three-dimensional objects to be layered as the carrier 104 moves in both the direction 122 and the direction 123. This is referred to as bidirectional processing hereinafter.

To actuate the two-way process, portions of the module can be repeatedly mounted on the carrier 104, as illustrated in Figures 6a through 6d. In one embodiment, some of the modules may be replicated and arranged in a substantially symmetric configuration around the non-replicating module. However, in other embodiments, each of the modules may be duplicated. In other embodiments, an asymmetric configuration of the modules can be provided.

Figure 6a illustrates a carrier configuration 600 that includes a plurality of different modules. Each of the modules performs one of the defined operations, for example as previously described. A single module 602 is disposed in the center of the carrier 600. One of the repeating modules 604a and 604b is provided on each side of the carrier 600. One of the repeating modules 606a and 606b is provided at each terminal of the carrier 600.

During operation, controller 112 controls non-repetitive module 602 operation as the carrier moves in both direction 122 and direction 120. When the carrier is moved in the direction 122, the controller 112 controls the respective operations of the pair of repeating modules; and when the carrier is moved in the direction 123, the controller 112 controls the respective operations of the other pair of repeating modules.

For example, when the direction 122 passes for the first time, the controller 112 controls the modules 602, 604b, and 606b to operate, and when the direction 123 passes the second time, the controller 112 controls the modules 602, 604a, and 606a to operate. . As such, depending on the direction of movement of the carrier 104, the controller 112 can control the operation of different ones of the modules on the carrier 104.

In this manner, when the carrier moves in the first direction 122 or in the second direction 123, all of the defined operations can be performed in a predetermined order.

Several specific embodiments are additionally shown in Figures 6b through 6e. But you need to understand The examples described herein are purely illustrative in nature and not limiting. For example, other configurations and configurations of the modules are possible and different processes can be performed in a predetermined order.

Referring now to Figure 6b, an example of a carrier configuration is shown in which a single energy source 110 is disposed between a pair of agent dispensers 108a and 108b. One of the pair of build material dispensers 106a and 106b is disposed at the end of the carrier. In operation, the controller 112 controls the carrier to move from the right side of the support platform 102 to the left side of the support platform 102 in the first direction 122. When the direction 122 is first passed, the controller 112 can control the build material dispenser 106a to form a layer of build material that can control the agent dispenser 108a to deposit droplets of the agent on the formed build material layer. The location, and the energy source 110 can be controlled to apply energy to the layer of build material. When the direction 123 is reversed, the controller 112 can control the build material dispenser 106b to form a layer of build material that can control the agent dispenser 108b to deposit droplets of the agent at selected locations on the formed build material layer. And the energy source 110 can be controlled to apply energy to the build material layer.

Referring now to Figure 6c, a carrier configuration is shown in which a single agent dispenser 108 is disposed between a pair of energy sources 110a and 110b. One of a pair of build material distributors 106a and 106b is provided at the end of the carrier. In operation, the controller 112 controls the carrier to move from the right side of the support platform 102 to the left side of the support platform 102 in the first direction 122. When the direction 122 is first passed, the controller 112 can control the build material dispenser 106a to form a layer of build material that can control the agent dispenser 108 to deposit droplets of the agent on the formed build material layer. Position, and control energy 110b to apply energy Measure to it. When the direction 123 is reversed, the controller 112 can control the build material dispenser 106b to form a layer of build material that can control the agent dispenser 108 to deposit droplets of the agent at selected locations on the formed build material layer. And the energy source 110a can be controlled to apply energy thereto. In one embodiment, during each pass, energy sources 110a and 110b can operate at different energy densities or wavelengths, for example, such that one energy source can be used as a preheater, while another energy source applies energy to cause appropriate deposition thereon. The building material of the agent is cured.

In several embodiments, an agent dispenser, such as the agent dispenser 108a or 108b, can selectively and independently deposit droplets of multiple agents, such as droplets of coalescing agents and coalescing modifiers.

Referring now to Figure 6d, an example of a carrier configuration is shown in which two pairs of agent dispensers 108a and 108b, and 109a and 109b are disposed between a single source of energy 110. The first pair of agent dispensers 108a and 108b can deposit a first dose of droplets such as a coalescing agent. The second pair of agent dispensers 109a and 109b can deposit a second dose of droplets such as a coalescing modifier. One of a pair of build material distributors 106a and 106b is provided at the end of the carrier. In operation, the controller 112 controls the carrier to move from the right side of the support platform 102 to the left side of the support platform 102 in the first direction 122. When the direction 122 is first passed, the controller 112 can control the build material dispenser 106a to form a layer of build material, and the agent dispenser 108a can be controlled to deposit droplets of the first dose on the formed build material layer. At selected locations, the agent dispenser 109a can be controlled to deposit selected droplets of the second agent at selected locations on the formed layer of build material, and the energy source 110 can be controlled to apply energy to the layer of build material. When the direction 123 is reversed, the control The device 112 can control the build material dispenser 106b to form a layer of build material, and the agent dispenser 108b can be controlled to deposit droplets of the first dose at selected locations on the formed build material layer, and the agent dispenser 109b can be controlled to A second dose of droplets is deposited at selected locations on the formed build material layer, and energy source 110a can be controlled to apply energy to the build material layer.

In one embodiment, in order to enable it to be bi-directionally distributed to the build material, the additive manufacturing system 100 can be provided with a pair of build material reservoirs 301a and 301b, as illustrated in FIG. For example, when the carrier 104 is moved in the first direction 122, the build material layer from the build material reservoir 301a is used to form a layer of build material on the support platform 102, and when the carrier 104 is moved in the direction 123, The build material layer of the material reservoir 301b is constructed to form a layer of build material on the support platform 102.

As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, when the chemical bonding agent is dispensed from the agent dispenser 108, no energy module 110 is present on the carrier 104, as illustrated in FIG. In this embodiment, the carrier 104 can include a build material dispenser module 106 and an agent dispenser 108. In one embodiment, such a vehicle can be controlled to produce a layer of a three-dimensional object in a single pass when moving in a first direction, such as direction 122. During reverse pass, the agent dispenser 108 and the build material dispenser 106 are not operational.

In one embodiment, such a carrier can be controlled to produce a layer of three-dimensional objects upon two passes, for example, the construction material dispenser 106 can be operated when the direction 122 is first passed, and the second time in the direction 123. The agent dispenser 106 can be operated by passage. In another embodiment, more than two passes may be utilized.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, the carrier 104 can be configured to include a build material dispenser 106 having one of a pair of agent dispensers 108a and 108b disposed on all sides thereof. This configuration enables a layer of three-dimensional objects to be created when the carrier 104 is moved in the direction 122 or in the direction 123.

The additive manufacturing system examples described herein provide an expandable solution to the additive manufacturing system. For example, by having all of the main modules of the additive manufacturing system disposed on a single carrier, all data, power, and agent connection paths are routed to a single carrier. This helps to simplify the design and manufacture of such systems. Again, the size of the article that can be produced using such a system can be readily increased by the length of the support platform 102 and the length of the carrier bars on which the extension carrier 104 moves.

While the examples described herein provide a carrier that moves over a stationary support platform, in other embodiments, the carrier 104 can be stationary while the support platform 102 can be moved along the y-axis. In other embodiments, any suitable relative motion between the carrier 104 and the support platform 102 can be provided.

Material description

In order for the methods and systems for fabricating three-dimensional articles as described herein to exploit the properties of the materials of construction, a coalescent and coalescing modifier need to be carefully selected.

Several embodiments of suitable materials are provided below.

Building material

According to an embodiment, the suitable build material can be a powdered semicrystalline thermoplastic. One convenient material may be nylon 12, available from, for example, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. Another suitable material can be PA 2200, available from Electro Optical Systems EOS GmbH.

In other embodiments, any other suitable building material can be used. Such materials may include, for example, powdered metal materials, powdered composite materials, powdered ceramic materials, powdered glass materials, powdered resin materials, powdered polymer materials, and the like.

Coalescent

According to one non-limiting embodiment, the suitable coalescent can be an ink-type formulation comprising carbon black, such as an ink formulation available under the trade name CM997A from Hewlett-Packard Company. In one embodiment, such an ink formulation may additionally comprise an infrared light absorber. In one embodiment, such an ink formulation may additionally comprise a near infrared light absorber. In one embodiment, such an ink formulation may additionally comprise an ultraviolet light absorber. Examples of inks containing ultraviolet light promoters are dye-based color inks and pigment-based color inks such as those available from Hewlett-Packard Company names CE039A and CE042A.

Coalescence modifier

As described above, the coalescence modifier acts to modify the effectiveness of the coalescing agent. Different physical effects and/or chemical effects have been verified to modify the efficacy of the coalescent.

For example, and without being bound by any theory, in one embodiment, a coalescing modifier can act to create a mechanical separation between individual particles of the build material, for example, to prevent such particles from joining together, and thus preventing It solidifies to form part of the resulting three-dimensional object. One of the coalescing modifiers An example may comprise a liquid containing a solid. Such agents may be, for example, colloidal inks, dye-based inks, or polymer-based inks.

Such agent is applied to a layer of build material, for example, after evaporation of any carrier liquid, causing a thin layer of solid to cover or partially cover a portion of the build material, thus acting as a coalescence modification as described herein. Agent.

In one embodiment, such a coalescing modifier can comprise solid particles having an average size that is less than the average size of the particles of the build material to which the coalescing modifier will be delivered. Again, the molecular weight of the coalescing modifier and its surface tension must be such that the coalescing modifier penetrates sufficiently into the interior of the build material. In one embodiment, such coalescing modifiers must also have a high solubility such that each droplet of the agent contains a high percentage of solids.

In one embodiment, a salt solution can be used as a coalescence modifier.

In another embodiment, an ink from the Hewlett Packard Company name CM996A ink can be used as a coalescence modifier. In another embodiment, inks from the Hewlett Packard Company under the trade name CN673A ink have also been verified as useful as coalescence modifiers.

In another embodiment, and without being bound by any theory, by preventing the build material from reaching temperatures above its melting point, the coalescing modifier can act to modify the effect of the coalescing agent. For example, fluids that have been verified to have a suitable cooling effect can be used as coalescence modifiers. For example, when such an agent is delivered to a build material, the energy applied to the build material can be absorbed by the coalescing modifier, causing vaporization of the coalescing modifier, thus helping to prevent agglomeration already delivered thereon. Modifier or already penetrated building material reaches the build The melting point of the material.

In one embodiment, an agent comprising a high percentage of water has been verified as a suitable coalescence modifier.

In other embodiments, other types of coalescence modifiers can be utilized.

An example of a coalescence modifier that increases the degree of coalescence may include a suitable plasticizer. Another example of a coalescence modifier that increases the degree of coalescence may include a surface tension modifier to increase the wettability of the particles of the build material.

It should be understood that the examples described herein can be implemented in a hardware form, or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of an electrical or non-electrical storage device, for example, a storage device such as a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable, or stored in a memory, for example, RAM, memory A bulk wafer, device or integrated circuit; or stored on an optical or magnetically readable medium such as a CD, DVD, disk or tape. It is to be understood that the storage device and the storage medium are examples of machine-readable storage devices that are adapted to store a program or programs that, when executed, embody the examples described herein. Accordingly, the examples provide a program comprising a code for a system or method as claimed in any one of the claims, and a machine readable storage device for storing such a program.

100‧‧‧Plus Manufacturing System

102‧‧‧Support platform

103‧‧‧Shell

104‧‧‧ Vehicles

105‧‧‧Support elements

106‧‧‧Building material dispenser

108‧‧‧Protocol dispenser

110‧‧‧Energy

112‧‧‧ Controller

114‧‧‧Processor

116‧‧‧ memory

118‧‧‧Control instructions

120‧‧‧Control data

122‧‧‧First direction

123‧‧‧second direction

Claims (15)

A system for producing a three-dimensional object, comprising: a carrier for bidirectional movement along a first axis relative to a support platform, the carrier for receiving or mounting a plurality of modules thereon, each for performing An operation of a set of operations to generate a layer of a three-dimensional object; and a controller for: causing relative movement between the carrier and the support platform along the first axis; and during the relative movement, controlling the The module performs the operations of the operations of the set in a predetermined order. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the modules to perform the operation of the set in the predetermined order during a single pass of the carrier through the support platform in a first direction. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is operative to control the modules to perform the operation of the set in the predetermined order over the support platform over the carrier. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is operative to control the modules to perform the operation of the set in the predetermined order during each pass in the direction along the first axis. The system of claim 4, wherein the carrier comprises a pair of modules each for performing the same operation, and wherein the controller is configured to control one of the pair of modules in a first direction for the first time Through period operation, and Controlling the other of the pair of modules to operate during a second pass in a second direction. The system of claim 2, wherein one of the modules is a build material dispenser for forming a layer of build material on the support platform and one of the modules is an agent dispenser for forming a layer of build material based on the control data The agent droplets are selectively deposited thereon. The system of claim 6 wherein the agent dispenser is for depositing a chemical linker droplet. The system of claim 6 wherein the agent dispenser is for depositing a coalescing agent droplet, and wherein one of the modules is an energy source for applying energy to a layer of build material. The system of claim 8 wherein one of the modules is an agent dispenser for depositing a coalescing modifier droplet. A method of operating a system to produce a three-dimensional object, comprising: controlling a carrier to move bi-directionally along a first axis above a support, mounting on the carrier or accommodating a plurality of modules thereon for An operation is performed to generate a layer of a three-dimensional object; and when the carrier is in motion, the modules are controlled to perform operations from a set of operations in a predetermined order. The method of claim 10, further comprising the modules for performing operations in the operation from the set during the single pass of the carrier over the support. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling the modules to be executed during a time when the carrier passes over the support body in a first direction. The operation from the first subset of one of the operations of the set, and the operation of the second subset of operations from the set during the time when the carrier passes over the support in a second direction. The method of claim 13, wherein the operation of the collection further comprises: forming a layer of build material on the support; and depositing an agent at a selected location on a formed layer of build material. The method of claim 13, wherein the operation of the collection further comprises: applying energy to a formed layer of build material. A system for producing a three-dimensional object, comprising: a carrier for bi-directional movement relative to a support platform along a first axis, the carrier for receiving or mounting a build material dispenser thereon for mounting the support platform Forming a layer of build material thereon, and an agent dispenser for selectively depositing the agent droplets on a layer of the build material formed according to the control data; and a controller for: causing the carrier and the support platform to be interposed a relative movement of the first shaft; and controlling the build material dispenser and the agent dispenser to operate in a predetermined sequence.