Appeal No. 1997-1380
Application 08/301,508
The mask 515 together with its substrate 514 is
returned to the mask producing subsystem 502 for
cleaning and preparation of a subsequent mask. . .
.
While a subsequent mask is being produced, the
model generation process continues: the exposed
layer 550 is positioned in operative engagement with
a fluid strip generator 560 for removal of
unhardened resin from layer 550 . . . .
The thus cleaned layer 550 is then transported
into operative engagement with a support material
applicator unit 570 . . . [to] provide a support
material to fill in those regions in layer 550 from
which the unsolidified solidifiable material was
removed. Preferably the support material comprises
a melted wax . . . .
After application of the melted wax to layer
550, the layer is preferably transported into
operative engagement with a cooling unit 580 . . .
. The wax [in] layer 550 is cooled by intimate
contact with cooled plate 582 in order to solidify
it as quickly as possible prior to further
processing . . . .
Following solidification of the wax in layer
550, the layer is transported into operative
engagement with a machining unit 590, typically
comprising a conventional multi-blade fly cutter 592
driven by a motor 594 and associated with a dust
collection hood 596 and vacuum cleaner 598.
Machining unit 590 is operative to trim the top
surface of layer 550 to a precise, flat uniform
thickness by removing, as appropriate, excessive
thicknesses of both the solidified solidifiable
material and the solidified support material.
It will be appreciated that the operation of
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