Patent ID: 8460755
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
1. A method for printing a three-dimensional part with an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the method comprising: printing a support structure from a support material with the extrusion-based additive manufacturing system using a layer-based additive manufacturing technique, wherein the support material comprises at least two polymers comprising a first polymer having a first glass transition temperature, and a second polymer that is substantially immiscible with the first polymer, the second polymer having a second glass transition temperature that is greater than the first glass transition temperature of the first polymer by at least about 10° C.; in coordination with the printing of the support structure, printing the three-dimensional part from a part material with the extrusion-based additive manufacturing system using the layer-based additive manufacturing technique; heating the printed support structure and the printed three-dimensional part to at least one temperature that is above a glass transition temperature of the part material, and that is below a glass transition temperature of at least one of the polymers of the support material; and cooling the heated support structure and the heated three-dimensional part.