Inventors:
Alexander G. Cooper - Stanford CA
John W. Kietzman - Redwood City CA
Friedrich B. Prinz - Menlo Park CA
Assignee:
The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University - Stanford CA
International Classification:
B29C 3338
US Classification:
264138, 264221, 264317, 264318, 264219
Abstract:
A method of making molded parts employing Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM) techniques. First, SDM processes are used to make a layered structure having support segments and mold segments. The support segments are made of material which may be removed from the mold segments (e. g. dissolved or melted). The mold segments are made of a material which can function as a mold. The mold and support segments are sequentially deposited (e. g. in layers) and shaped (e. g. machined) to form a mold. The support segments define the shape of the part to be manufactured. The mold segments are removed from the support segments by dissolving or melting away the support segments, leaving an empty mold. Then, part material is cast into the empty mold. The mold is removed, providing a molded part. The part material can be a gelcasting slurry, for example.