Method and apparatus for adjusting multiple nozzle members in a solid free form fabrication tool

摘要

Production of solid free form article comprises dispensing fluidizable material onto a surface in a targeted iterative process to produce a three-dimensional test shape having investigational topographic feature(s); analyzing at least one physical characteristic in the investigational topographic region, the characteristic being correlative with targeting accuracy of dispensing unit; and modifying dispensing of fluidizable material. Production of solid free form article comprises dispensing fluidizable material from a dispensing unit onto a surface in a targeted iterative process to produce a three-dimensional test shape (12) having at least one investigational topographic feature (56); analyzing at least one physical characteristic in the investigational topographic region, the characteristic being correlative with targeting accuracy of dispensing unit; and modifying dispensing of fluidizable material based on analyzing step. An independent claim is also included for a device for producing a solid free form article, comprising fluid dispensing device having at least two nozzles and a control mechanism (20) controlling emissions from the nozzles in a predetermined logical sequence sufficient to produce at least one three-dimensional geometric test shape having at least one investigational topographic feature; and analytical device (26) associated with the fluid dispenser and capable of analyzing at least one physical characteristic of the investigational topographic region of the three-dimensional geometric test shape, where the physical characteristic analyzed is color continuity, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and/or part integrity.