公开(公告)号：US6270335B2

公开(公告)日：2001-08-07

申请号：US25251299

申请日：1999-02-18

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  THAYER JEFFREY S ,  BEDAL BRYAN J L ,  ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  EARL JOCELYN M ,  KEREKES THOMAS A ,  MEROT CHRISTIAN M ,  FEDCHENKO RICHARD P ,  LOCKARD MICHAEL S ,  PANG THOMAS H

IPC: B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/02

CPC classification number: B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C64/106 ,  B29C64/112 ,  B29C64/40 ,  B33Y10/00 ,  B33Y30/00 ,  B33Y40/00 ,  B33Y50/02

Abstract: A variety of support structures and build styles for use in Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing systems are described wherein particular emphasis is given to Thermal Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Selective Deposition Modeling systems, and wherein a 3D modeling system is presented which uses multijet dispensing and a single material for both object and support formation.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于快速成型和制造系统的各种支撑结构和构造样式，其中特别强调了热立体定向，熔融沉积建模和选择性沉积建模系统，并且其中提出了一种3D建模系统，其使用多喷射分配和 一种用于物体和支撑物形成的材料。

公开(公告)号：AU7550396A

公开(公告)日：1997-04-17

申请号：AU7550396

申请日：1996-09-27

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  THAYER JEFFREY S ,  BEDAL BRYAN J L ,  ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  EARL JOCELYN M ,  KEREKES THOMAS A ,  SMALLEY DENNIS R ,  MEROT CHRISTIAN M ,  FEDCHENKO RICHARD P ,  LOCKARD MICHAEL S ,  PANG THOMAS H ,  THAT DINH TON

IPC: B22F3/00 ,  B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K63/00 ,  G06T17/00

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is formed by selectively depositing successive layers (14) of build material from a print-head (9) having a plurality of orifices or nozzles (10(1)-10(96)), such as an ink-jet type of print-head. The print-head (9) is moved (X-Y control) relative to a support platform (15) in a series of scans in the X-direction offset from one another in the Y-direction and possibly overlapping. The orifices (10(1)-10(96)) extend transversely of the scan X-direction and may be set at an angle (α) to it to control the resolution perpendicular to the scan direction. The platform (15) is movable relative to the print-head in the Z-direction for forming each successive layer (14). The build material is a flowable material and may be a radiation-curable material, such as an ultra-violet curable photo-polymer. The data according to which each layer is formed may be manipulated according to a selected build style to determine the selective activation of the print-head orifices.

公开(公告)号：CA2233225A1

公开(公告)日：1997-04-03

申请号：CA2233225

申请日：1996-09-27

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： BEDAL BRYAN J L ,  EARL JOCELYN M ,  ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  PANG THOMAS H ,  THAT DINH TON ,  KEREKES THOMAS A ,  THAYER JEFFREY S ,  LOCKARD MICHAEL S ,  LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  SMALLEY DENNIS R ,  FEDCHENKO RICHARD P ,  MEROT CHRISTIAN M ,  HULL CHARLES W

IPC: B22F3/00 ,  B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K63/00 ,  G06T17/00 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G06T17/40

Abstract: Methods of manipulating data in a thermal stereolithography apparatus, characterized in that the data represents a plurality of start/stop transitions to facilitate the computation of Boolean operations.

公开(公告)号：DE68924952T2

公开(公告)日：1996-06-13

申请号：DE68924952

申请日：1989-09-26

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  MODREK BORZO ,  SERKUCZEWSKI ANDRZEJ R ,  JACOBS PAUL F ,  LEWIS CHARLES W ,  LEWIS MARK A ,  LIRAN ABRAHAM ,  SMALLEY DENNIS R ,  COHEN ADAM L

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K105/24 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01F23/36 ,  G05D9/12 ,  B29C39/42

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.

公开(公告)号：ES2082782T3

公开(公告)日：1996-04-01

申请号：ES89309762

申请日：1989-09-26

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  MODREK BORZO ,  SERKUCZEWSKI ANDRZEJ R ,  JACOBS PAUL F ,  LEWIS CHARLES W

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K105/24 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01F23/36 ,  G05D9/12 ,  B29C39/42

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.

公开(公告)号：DE69025432D1

公开(公告)日：1996-03-28

申请号：DE69025432

申请日：1990-06-06

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  LEWIS MARK A ,  ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  NGUYEN HOP D

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29C71/00 ,  B29C71/04 ,  B29K105/24 ,  B29C39/42

Abstract: An improved stereolithographic apparatus and method is described. In one embodiment, the improvement comprises immersing at least a portion of a part in a volume of a liquid solvent in a vapor degreaser while subjecting the portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin. Several examples of solvents are provided, including ethanol, and Freon TMS. In a second embodiment, the improvement comprises building the part on a layer of liquid resin supported by a volume of a dense, immiscible, and UV transparent intermediate liquid, and integratably immersing at least a portion of the built part in the intermediate liquid, and then either subjecting the immersed portion to ultrasonic agitation to substantially remove excess resin, or subjecting the immersed portion to UV light. Several examples of intermediate liquids are provided, including perfluorinated fluids, such as Fluorinert FC-40, and water-based salt solutions, such as solutions of magnesium sulfate or sodium chloride in water.

公开(公告)号：AT223300T

公开(公告)日：2002-09-15

申请号：AT96937643

申请日：1996-09-27

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  THAYER JEFFREY S ,  BEDAL BRYAN J L ,  ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  EARL JOCELYN M ,  KEREKES THOMAS A ,  SMALLEY DENNIS R ,  MEROT CHRISTIAN M ,  FEDCHENKO RICHARD P ,  LOCKARD MICHAEL S ,  PANG THOMAS H ,  THAT DINH TON

IPC: B22F3/00 ,  B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K63/00 ,  G06T17/00

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is formed by selectively depositing successive layers (14) of build material from a print-head (9) having a plurality of orifices or nozzles (10(1)-10(96)), such as an ink-jet type of print-head. The print-head (9) is moved (X-Y control) relative to a support platform (15) in a series of scans in the X-direction offset from one another in the Y-direction and possibly overlapping. The orifices (10(1)-10(96)) extend transversely of the scan X-direction and may be set at an angle (α) to it to control the resolution perpendicular to the scan direction. The platform (15) is movable relative to the print-head in the Z-direction for forming each successive layer (14). The build material is a flowable material and may be a radiation-curable material, such as an ultra-violet curable photo-polymer. The data according to which each layer is formed may be manipulated according to a selected build style to determine the selective activation of the print-head orifices.

公开(公告)号：AT216951T

公开(公告)日：2002-05-15

申请号：AT96906277

申请日：1996-01-29

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  THAYER JEFFREY S ,  LEYDEN RICHARD N ,  JACOBS PAUL F ,  SMALLEY DENNIS R

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C41/36 ,  B29C67/00

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.

公开(公告)号：DE68929292D1

公开(公告)日：2001-05-23

申请号：DE68929292

申请日：1989-09-26

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  MODREK BORZO ,  SERKUCZEWSKI ANDRZEJ R ,  JACOBS PAUL F ,  LEWIS CHARLES W ,  LEWIS MARK A ,  LIRAN ABRAHAM

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K105/24 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01F23/36 ,  G05D9/12 ,  G01F23/28

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.

公开(公告)号：AT200644T

公开(公告)日：2001-05-15

申请号：AT95107870

申请日：1989-09-26

Applicant: 3D SYSTEMS INC

Inventor： ALMQUIST THOMAS A ,  HULL CHARLES W ,  MODREK BORZO ,  SERKUCZEWSKI ANDRZEJ R ,  JACOBS PAUL F ,  LEWIS CHARLES W ,  LEWIS MARK A ,  LIRAN ABRAHAM

IPC: B29C35/08 ,  B29C41/12 ,  B29C67/00 ,  B29K105/24 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01F23/36 ,  G05D9/12 ,  G01F23/28

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.