Methods for three-dimensional model printing

Abstract

A method of printing a three-dimensional object is provided. The method includes selectively dispensing, layer by layer, one or more materials to form the three-dimensional object; selectively dispensing, layer by layer, one or more materials to form a support construction for the three-dimensional object; selectively dispensing, layer by layer, one or more materials to form a rigid exterior construction around at least part of the support construction, the rigid exterior having substantially similar strength and elasticity to the three-dimensional object; and forming a release construction around the rigid exterior construction, the release construction being between the rigid exterior construction and the three-dimensional object.

1 . An apparatus for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object comprising a controller configured to:
 define a building plan for a 3D object to be printed, the building plan comprises a 3D object construction and a support construction; and   define a set of indicators enabling a recommended procedure of extraction of one or more elements of the support construction after printing.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the indicators are defined to indicate a direction of to removal of one or more of the elements of the support construction according to the recommended procedure of extraction. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the indicators are defined to indicate an order of removal of one or more of the elements of the support construction according to the recommended procedure of extraction. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to define one or more release construction layers between the 3D object construction and one or more of the elements of the support construction. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the indicators are defined to indicate a position and direction of placement of one or more of the release construction layers and a direction along which the respective one or more elements of the support construction may be removed. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured to define one or more of the release construction layers such that one or more of the elements of the support construction may be removed without interfering or disturbing removal of other elements of the support construction due to removal of the respective one or more elements according to the recommended procedure of extraction. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to define the recommended procedure of extraction of one or more of the elements of the support construction. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to define one or more of the elements of the supporting structure to have a tapered shape in respect to a direction of preferred removal according to the recommended procedure of extraction. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to define an inner portion of one or more of the elements of the support construction that has the tapered shape to be narrower than an outer portion of the respective one or more elements. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to define on an outer side of one or more of the elements of the support construction at least one feature that identifies the respective one or more elements as a part of the support construction to be removed after printing. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the indicators are displayed as a diagram on a display apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the indicators are visual and selected from a group consisting of: letters, symbols, colors, patterns or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the indicators are defined in at least one of X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction.