Patent ID: 6085957
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B29C,B65H,G05D

Abstract:
A machine for making three-dimensional physical objects from a solid build material element having a cross section by depositing molten build material element in multiple layers, comprising:a dispensing head for receiving solid build material element and having an application tip for dispensing molten build material element;an element advance mechanism operable at a variable controlled feed speed for supplying the solid build material element to the dispensing head;sensing means positioned in sensing relation to the solid build material element, for sensing physical parameter data of the build element corresponding to the cross-section of the build element at a measured portion of the element, and for generating measurement signals corresponding thereto;variable-speed drive means operatively connected to the element advance mechanism, for controlling the feed speed of the element advance mechanism;a control operatively connected to the sensing means and operatively connected to the variable-speed drive means, for adjusting the speed of the element advance mechanism as a function of the measurement signals at times appropriate to compensate for a lag response between the sensing of physical parameter data of the build element and arrival of the measured build element portion at the application tip to thereby control the volumetric flow of molten build material element through the application tip.