This is a well-used method for modeling.
Within the modeling chamber, powder layers accumulate, activated by laser to solidify into the modeled form. The excess powder is recycled and while in the chamber supports un-attached pieces.
Designers are using this method to do short-run plastic and metal parts - not just models.
See:
http://home.utah.edu/~asn8200/rapid.html
http://www.solidconcepts.com/
A primer on this can be had for real from Ralph Guisti [mailto:
rpg@macdac.com] of MacDac Engineering in CT who says:
"The method is actually quite simple. You take your model and view it in a 3D window and then you save the file in a .vrml format
I did a model that I created on an old mill building that I did renovations on. It created the .vrml file simply and the file took with it all my colors, textures, etc. You can also use an old feature of Archicad to split the model on the x,y or z-axis so the model can be printed in sections and pieced together. The first model we printed on the Z-Corp printer came out amazingly well. It was a bit too detailed for the size I created, so I had to split my model into 2 sections and reprint it. The model is very cool, accurate and shows a lot of detail inside and out .
I'm reprinting it again and I could send you a picture of it if you want... let me know.
My company (Macdac Engineering) sells the Z-Corp printer line."
Dwight Atkinson
