Patent ID: 7311512
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A three-dimensional hard copy apparatus comprising: a shape forming unit that is capable of forming a predetermined pattern and includes: a drive unit that selectively drives the plural pins; a holding unit that respectively holds positions of the plural pins; and a press-contact unit that moves one of the object to be molded and the shape forming unit with respect to the other in a direction in which the object to be molded and the shape forming unit approach each other and brings the object to be molded and the shape forming unit into press contact with each other; wherein the three-dimensional hard copy apparatus forms the predetermined pattern with the shape forming unit, holds the plural pins with the holding unit, and brings the object to be molded and the shape forming unit into press contact with each other with the press contact unit to form a pattern of a shape matching the predetermined pattern formed by the shape forming unit on the object to be molded, and wherein the press contact unit is adapted to attract the object to be molded to the plural pins by decompression so that the object to be molded is brought into press contact with the shape forming unit.