Patent ID: 7114943
Filing Date: 2006-10-03
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
1. A post processing apparatus to remove support material from a three-dimensional object formed from a build material by solid deposition modeling, the support material having a lower melting point than the build material, the apparatus comprising in combination: (a) a selectively heated main chamber for holding the three-dimensional part and the support material attached thereto and for receiving a liquid heat transfer medium; (b) a selectively heated first storage reservoir for heating the liquid heat transfer medium to a temperature above the melting point of the support material and for storing a first quantity of the liquid heat transfer medium; (c) a first transfer pump to convey the first quantity of liquid transfer medium from the first storage reservoir to the main chamber and to convey the first quantity of liquid heat transfer medium from the main chamber to the first storage reservoir; (d) a selectively heated second storage reservoir for heating the liquid heat transfer medium to a temperature above the melting point of the support material and for storing a second quantity of the liquid heat transfer medium; (e) a second transfer pump to convey the second quantity of liquid transfer medium from the second storage reservoir to the main chamber and to convey the second quantity of liquid transfer medium from the main chamber to the second storage reservoir; and (f) a temperature control device to measure and maintain the temperature of the main chamber and the first and second storage reservoirs.