Gregory Allen Bloom

US Patent:

7957830, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Jun 10, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/136552

Inventors:

Lawrence J. Lukis - Wayzata MN, US
Yuri A. Dreizin - Golden Valley MN, US
Gregory M. Bloom - Lake Elmo MN, US

Assignee:

Proto Labs, Inc. - Maple Plains MN

International Classification:

G06F 19/00
G06F 17/50

US Classification:

700160, 264221, 264112, 264472, 264673, 29557, 29841, 29848, 700 97, 700197, 700201, 700200, 269 47, 269 95, 269100, 269293, 425 58, 425589, 705400, 249 35, 249 94, 249195

Abstract:

A customer transmits their 3D CAD file for a part to be total profile machined. Computer analysis of the transmitted CAD file produces CNC machining instructions, which are transmitted back to an address defined by the customer. The customer can then use the transmitted CNC machining instructions to total profile machine their own part using their own CNC mill at the location where the part is likely needed. The transmitted instructions include not only the tool paths for CNC machining of the total profile of the part, but also for additional features formed into the encircling portion of a material block from which the part is to be total profile machined. For instance, the CNC machining instructions transmitted back to the customer can define a registration recess and/or channels or undercuts for fluid support material on an A-side of a material block. After the A-side of the block is machined, the customer adds and solidifies fluid support material into the machined recess. The CNC mill is then used to machine a support surface into a portion of the solidified support material surface.

US Patent:

20080120823, May 29, 2008

Filed:

Oct 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/586223

Inventors:

Lawrence J. Lukis - Wayzata MN, US
Gregory M. Bloom - Lake Elmo MN, US

Assignee:

The Protomold Company, Inc. - Maple Plain MN

International Classification:

B23P 17/00
B23P 13/04
B23P 23/00

US Classification:

29423, 29424, 29557, 29564

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for total profile machining of a part, such as from a block of thermoplastic polymer. A first side of the part is machined together with an encircling recess. A registration/potting fixture is placed into the encircling recess. The registration/potting fixture is used to evacuate air from the machined side of the part and to pressure pack degassed fluid potting compound against the machined side of the part. The registration/potting fixture is cooled such as with a coolant to solidify the potting material. Then the registration/potting fixture is used to fixture the block in a new orientation for CNC machining another side of the part. Upon removal of the potting material from the part, the total profile machined part is freed for shipment to the customer.