Abstract:
A stereolithography method and system for producing three-dimensional plastic objects by forming a plurality of thin layers of partially cured plastic material which are thin cross sections of the desired object. A layer of polymerizable resin is applied to a support surface and the excess is struck off, such as with a doctor blade, to form a smoothed layer. The smoothed layer is subjected to radiation in a predetermined pattern to form the cross-sectional layer into the desired shape. A plurality of layers are subsequently applied, leveled, then cured in the same manner to produce the desired three-dimensional object. Apparatus for measuring the level of the surface of a fluid is also provided. Variations in the level of fluid will be detected and may be used to drive a pump, diaphragm, or plunger in order to maintain the level of the fluid.
Abstract:
2095225 9208200 PCTABS00013 A method of and apparatus for slicing a three-dimensional object representation into a plurality of layer representations. The layer representations are subsequently used to form the object layer-by-layer from a solidifiable material by stereolithography (711). If not already provided in the object representation, a plurality of layer boundary representations are first formed, and then the boolean difference (17), of successive layer boundary representations are computed to derive boundaries of up and down-facing regions, enabling different cure parameters to be specified for these different regions. In another method, the depth of the curable material within the objet underlying a selected area element is determined and compared to the depht to the minimum solidification depth of the material. The area element is exposed to solidifying synergistic stimulation only if the depth of the material equals or exceeds the minimum solidification depth. A next layer is created over the first layer without curing the first layer, if the depth is less than the minimum solidification depth. Another method and apparatus (714) eliminates or substantially reduces curling effects in stereolithographically formed objects. Synergistic stimulation is applied to a curable material to form a three-dimensional object through the build up of successive layers.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for use in building three-dimensional objects on substantially a cross-sectional basis including methods and apparatus for forming successive layers using counter-rotating rollers, ink jet recoaters, spinning members which sling material, applicator bars that dispense material via a meniscus and/or independently dispensed streams, and also including methods and apparatus to determine a preferred region over which to form a layer and to check for building errors.