Abstract:
There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.
Abstract:
A three dimensional printing system includes a controller that is configured to (1) receive an incoming slice data array that defines an initial two dimensional object having an initial outer boundary; (2) process the incoming slice data array to define a simple outer boundary whereby if the object has two portions defining a channel therebetween, the channel is reduced or eliminated thereby reducing a perimeter of the outer boundary. In one embodiment the object is two objects. If the channel is defined between the two objects, then the processing merges the two objects. If the channel is a concave recess within one object, then the processing reduces the depth of or eliminates the concave recess.
Abstract:
There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.
Abstract:
In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.
Abstract:
A three dimensional printing system includes a resin vessel, a light engine, a movement mechanism, a fixture, and a controller. The resin vessel is for containing a photocurable resin and has a lower portion with a transparent sheet. The light engine is configured to selectively project radiation up through the transparent sheet and over a build plane. The fixture is coupled to the movement mechanism and has a lower face that faces the transparent sheet. The controller is configured to operate the light engine to solidify a particle trapping sheet proximate to the build plane thereby trapping particles that extend upwardly from the transparent sheet into the build plane.
Abstract:
A three dimensional printing system includes a controller that is configured to (1) receive an incoming slice data array that defines an initial two dimensional object having an initial outer boundary; (2) process the incoming slice data array to define a simple outer boundary whereby if the object has two portions defining a channel therebetween, the channel is reduced or eliminated thereby reducing a perimeter of the outer boundary. In one embodiment the object is two objects. If the channel is defined between the two objects, then the processing merges the two objects. If the channel is a concave recess within one object, then the processing reduces the depth of or eliminates the concave recess.
Abstract:
There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.
Abstract:
There is provided a support structure for use with 3D printing of objects from computer-aided designs. The support structures include fine points that contact the down-facing surfaces of the 3D object being printed in order to adequately support the 3D object while also being adapted for easy removal after the 3D print process is complete. The fine points are possible by controlling the operation of the dispenser to provide a precise amount of material in a precise location. The dispenser jumps from a first fine point to a second fine point by retracting the print material after the first fine point is printed and then moving the dispenser vertically relative to the first fine point before the dispenser is moved horizontally to the second fine point.
Abstract:
A three dimensional printing system includes a print engine, a fixture, and a controller. The print engine further includes a vessel, a light engine, and a movement mechanism. The vessel is for containing a photocurable resin and has a lower portion with a transparent sheet defining a lower surface of the vessel. The light engine is configured to project radiation up through the transparent sheet over a lateral build plane which defines a maximum addressable lateral range of the light engine. The fixture has a lower face that faces downwardly. The controller is configured to: (1) position the lower face of the fixture at the build plane, and (2) operate the light engine and movement mechanism to solidify a particle trapping sheet proximate to the transparent sheet and substantially spanning the build plane and to thereby trap particles that are present along the build plane.
Abstract:
In one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The poly(vinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.