Patent ID: 6070107
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
A method for forming prototype mechanical elements from at least one polymer material on a platform comprising the steps of:a) positioning a cylindrical rod of said polymer material comprising poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) blended with at least one inert filler in a cylindrical housing having a throughbore with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical rod, said housing being connected with and attached to a discharge head member having a uniform diameter bore connecting with the throughbore, a discharge tip, a reduced diameter discharge opening in the tip, and a circumferential heater to liquify the material in the bore;b) compressing the material in the housing with a piston while simultaneously liquefying the material in the head member to thereby discharge a ribbon of material from the tip;c) transporting the platform in the x and y directions while discharging material thereon to form the cross sectional shape of the element; andd) transporting the housing and head member in the z direction simultaneously to form the element in elevation.