Support structures and deposition techniques for 3D printing

摘要

There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.

主权项

1. A method of printing a support structure for supporting a three dimensional (3D) object during a print process, the method comprising:
dispensing print material on a print pad to define a lower portion of the support structure; dispensing print material along an upper portion of the support structure to define fine points, wherein the fine points define an interface between the support structure and the 3D object to be printed; and jumping the dispenser between fine points to minimize or eliminate unintentional dispensing of print material between fine points, wherein jumping the dispenser comprises:
retracting the print material from the exit of the dispenser after a first fine point has been printed;moving the dispenser and the print pad relative to one another to increase a distance between the dispenser and the first fine point in a vertical direction;moving the dispenser horizontally to the location of a second fine point;moving the dispenser and the print pad relative to one another to decrease a distance between the dispenser and the location of the second fine point in the vertical direction; anddispensing print material to print the second fine point.