Patent ID: 6441338
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: B21D,B23K,B23P,B26F,B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
A model building apparatus comprising a first frame member, a second frame member slidably connected to the first frame member for moving the second frame member independently with respect to the first frame member, a vertical support connected to the second frame member, a rotary stage connected to the vertical support, a platform connected to the rotary stage, a beam source connected to the rotary stage, a focus head and a beam delivery nozzle mounted on the platform, a feedstock delivery module mounted on the platform, a feedstock storing spool mounted on the feedstock delivery module and feedstock stored on the spool, a feedstock nozzle connected to the feedstock delivery module for receiving feedstock from the spool and feeder and for extending feedstock from a tip of the nozzle, the tip of the nozzle being aligned with a beam projected from the beam source to the focus head and through the beam delivery nozzle, a 3-dimensionally movable stage positioned beneath the nozzle for receiving feedstock in a predetermined pattern according to relative movement of the stage for receiving the feedstock extending from the nozzle tip and for fusing the feedstock to a substrate or to a previously fused layer of the feedstock for constructing a model by depositing and fusing successive layers of the feedstock.