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Solidscape, Inc.'s inkjet method is illustrated, but others are also available. This machine uses a single jet each for a
plastic build material and a wax-like support material, which are held in a melted liquid state in reservoirs. The liquids
are fed to individual jetting heads which squirt tiny droplets of the materials as they are moved in X-Y fashion in the
required pattern to form a layer of the object. The materials harden by rapidly dropping in temperature as they are deposited.
After an entire layer of the object is formed by jetting, a milling head is passed over the layer to make it a uniform thickness.
Particles are vacuumed away as the milling head cuts and are captured in a filter. The process is repeated to form the
entire object. After the object is completed, the wax support material is either melted or dissolved away.
The most outstanding characteristic of the Solidscape system is the ability to produce extremely fine resolution and surface
finishes, essentially equivalent to CNC machines. However, the technique is very slow for large objects. While the size of
the machine and materials are office-friendly, the use of a milling head creates noise which may be objectionable in an
office environment. Materials selection also is very limited.
Other manufacturers use considerably different inkjet techniques, but all rely on squirting a build material in a liquid or
melted state which cools or otherwise hardens to form a solid on impact. 3D Systems produces an inkjet machine called the
ThermoJet Modeler which utilizes several hundred nozzles in a wide head configuration. It uses a hair-like matrix of build
material to provide support for overhangs which can be easily brushed off once the object is complete. This machine is much
faster than the Solidscape approach, but doesn't offer as good a surface finish or resolution.
All inkjets have material limitations and make fragile parts. The applications range from concept models to precise
casting patterns for industry and the arts, particularly jewelry.
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