Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for constructing a three-dimensional object (10) from a design created on a CAD machine (14) is disclosed which includes a support (B) which may be indexed along two coordinate axes (X, Y) and a movable dispensing head (A) which indexes along a Z-axis. A fluent material (54) is dispensed or extruded from head (A) and as it is dispensed, the fluent material is subjected to a treatment by treatment sources (D) which cause the fluent material to transform into a fixed solidified state in the form of a three-dimensional object. Fluent material (54) may be a polymeric material which is solidified by an energy beam of ultraviolet light (56) upon dispensing. A shield (E) is provided to shield the dispensing head (A) and strand of material (54) so that the material is treated at the proper time and location to cause it to solidify properly to form the three-dimensional object. In accordance with the method, indexing takes place in desired steps so a dimensionally accurate object is formed.

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First Claim