{
  "patent_number": "US 5121329",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Machines Build 3D Objects Layer by Layer from Melting Plastic",
  "original_title": "Apparatus and method for creating three-dimensional objects",
  "summary": "This patent describes a method and machine for creating three-dimensional objects by precisely depositing melted material, layer by layer, from a movable nozzle onto a base.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes an apparatus that builds a three-dimensional object by sequentially depositing multiple layers of solidifying material. It uses a movable head with a dispensing outlet, or nozzle, that releases material in a fluid state, such as melted plastic (Claim 1). This material then solidifies at a specific temperature. A mechanical system moves the dispensing head and a base member relative to each other along X, Y, and Z axes (Claim 1). This movement allows the machine to precisely place each layer, building up the object slice by slice. For example, a computer-aided design (CAD) program can create a 3D model, which is then converted into instructions for the machine to deposit material for each layer (Claim 11).",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover 3D printing methods that do not involve depositing material from a dispensing head, such as laser sintering of powder or stereolithography using light to cure liquid resin.",
    "Does not cover processes where the material does not solidify after being discharged from the nozzle, as Claim 1 specifies a 'supply of material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature'.",
    "Does not cover methods that build objects without forming 'multiple layers' sequentially, as described in Claim 1.",
    "Does not cover systems where the dispensing head and base member do not move relative to each other in three dimensions along 'X,' 'Y,' and 'Z' axes.",
    "Does not cover 3D printing techniques that do not meter the discharge of material from an orifice at a predetermined rate, as required by Claim 1."
  ],
  "filed": "1989-10-30",
  "granted": "1992-06-09",
  "expires": "2009-10-30",
  "status": "expired",
  "holder": "Stratasys Inc",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/stratasys-inc",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "S. Scott Crump",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/s-scott-crump"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 793,
  "tags": [
    "manufacturing",
    "mechanical",
    "software",
    "consumer_electronics",
    "materials"
  ],
  "abstract": "Apparatus incorporating a movable dispensing head provided with a supply of material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature, and a base member, which are moved relative to each other along \"X,\" \"Y,\" and \"Z\" axes in a predetermined pattern to create three-dimensional objects by building up material discharged from the dispensing head onto the base member at a controlled rate. The apparatus is preferably computer driven in a process utilizing computer aided design (CAD) and computer-aided (CAM) software to generate drive signals for controlled movement of the dispensing head and base member as material is being dispensed. Three-dimensional objects may be produced by depositing repeated layers of solidifying material until the shape is formed. Any material, such as self-hardening waxes, thermoplastic resins, molten metals, two-part epoxies, foaming plastics, and glass, which adheres to the previous layer with an adequate bond upon solidification, may be utilized. Each layer base is defined by the previous layer, and each layer thickness is defined and closely controlled by the height at which the tip of the dispensing head is positioned above the preceding layer.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5121329/fdm-3d-printing-stratasys",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5121329/fdm-3d-printing-stratasys/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US5121329",
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}