Importance

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Abstract

A apparatus for economically producing both large and small objects wherein a continuous extrusion of viscous liquid is to be dispensed from a nozzle mounted directly adjacent to an object support platform. Preprogrammed movement is achieved between the nozzle and the object support platform in accordance with the size and shape of the object that is to be fabricated. A viscous liquid is to be dispensed a layer at a time resulting in building of the object layer-by-layer from the bottom of the object to the top of the object. Fibers may be added to the viscous liquid when fabricating large objects, thus providing structural reinforcements. The viscous liquid is to be rapidly curable upon the application of light energy with this light energy supplied at a three hundred sixty degree pattern about the nozzle. A light shield immediately adjacent to the nozzle prevents premature curing of viscous liquid. The high viscosity of the liquid retains the controlled shape prior to curing. After a layer is produced by the nozzle, vertical, horizontal or angular relative movement between the nozzle and the object support platform occurs with another layer then being produced.

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First Claim