Patent ID: 6179601
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming from a build material at least a portion of three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae, comprising in combination:means for forming successive layers of material adjacent to any last formed layers of material in preparation for forming subsequent laminae of the object;a data manipulation system for identifying at least a portion of non-consecutive layers as primary layers and for identifying layers intermediate to the primary layers as secondary layers;an exposure system for exposing the build material to prescribed stimulation, in association with the primary layers, to form substantially all portions of laminae associated with the primary layers and to form portions of laminae associated with the secondary layers and for exposing at least a portion of the material to prescribed stimulation, in association with the secondary layers, to form at least some outward-facing portions of the laminae associated with the secondary layers;such that at least a portion of the three-dimensional object is formed from a plurality of adhered laminae with an object resolution substantially equal to or better than the resolution defined by a thickness between successive layers.