Patent ID: 6305769
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object from a material normally in a solid state but which is flowable when at or above a flowable temperature, comprising:a material loading module mounted to the apparatus for receiving and rendering the material flowable;a dispenser connected to the apparatus for selectively dispensing successive layers of the material to form the three-dimensional object, the dispenser being in flow communication with the material loading module;a platform mounted on the apparatus which is substantially maintained below the flowablc temperature and cooperative with the dispenser such that the successive layers are selectively dispensed thereon,wherein the material loading module includes a resupply receptacle for receiving a removable container of material, the material being in solid or partially solid phase, a heater positioned relative to and conected to the receptacle for heating material in thc container received in the receptacle to a molten flowable state; the receptacle further having a fluid flow opening through which molten material flows from the container received in the receptacle to a reservoir in fluid flow communication with the fluid flow opening of the receptacle, the reservoir receiving molten material from the fluid flow opening; anda planarizer mounted to the apparatus for removing excess material from the successively dispensed layers, the planarized comprising a heated member and a device to remove material from the heated member by vaporizing material.