Multi-chamber deposition equipment for solid free form fabrication

Abstract

Provided is a chamber system for solid free form fabrication, the chamber system having a deposition chamber, a service chamber and one or more loading/unloading chambers. The chamber system allows for a more efficient and cost effective process to service the deposition apparatus, load holding substrates, and unload workpieces without requiring having to adjust the atmosphere in the deposition chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chamber system for solid free form fabrication comprising:
 one or more independently controlled loading/unloading chambers;   an independently controlled deposition chamber, the deposition chamber including a deposition apparatus comprising a heat source;   one or more doors connecting the deposition chamber with each of one or more loading/unloading chambers; and   an independently controlled service chamber connected to the deposition chamber, the service chamber sized to house the deposition apparatus, and arranged such that the deposition apparatus can move in and out of the service chamber without removing the wire feed.