Patent ID: 8318076

Claim:
A method of forming a three-dimensional object in successive layers in accordance with data defining the object, wherein the object is made from a build material and the object is supported by a support material during a build process and wherein the layers are successively deposited along a z-axis, the method comprising: selectively depositing the support material on a platform to provide a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a porous support structure that is proximate the platform and a solid support structure that is deposited on the porous support structure opposite the porous support structure from the platform; selectively depositing the build material on the support structure to define the object wherein the area of contact, in the direction of the z-axis, between the build material and the support material defines a support-object interface and an interface boundary along a perimeter of the support-object interface; and encapsulating the interface boundary with support material.