SMOOTHING METHOD FOR LAYERED DEPOSITION MODELING

摘要

Disclosed is a method for smoothing the surface of an object built from a polymeric or wax material using a layered manufacturing rapid prototyping technique. After the object is built it is exposed to a vaporized solvent su ch as in a vaporizer for an exposure time sufficient to reflow the object surface. A solvent is chosen based on its ability to transiently soften the material which forms the object, and thereafter evaporate off the object. Th e object is removed from the solvent and allowed to dry, producing a smooth finished part.