摘要:
Systems for and methods of generating three-dimensional objects from a medium capable of selective physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, whereby sheets of medium corresponding to cross-sectional layers of the three-dimensional object are dispensed from a source, the dispensed sheets then being selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation thereby forming a layer of the three-dimensional object, the areas not exposed to synergistic stimulation being removed, and whereby successive sheets corresponding to successive cross-sectional layers are dispensed and selectively exposed to synergistic stimulation and integrated together with preceding layers to provide substantially a layer by layer buildup of the three-dimensional object, thereby forming the three-dimensional object.
摘要:
Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.
摘要:
An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process. A stereolithographic distortion known as curl is defined, and several techniques to eliminate or reduce curl are described, including dashed line, bent line, secondary structure, rivets, and multi-pass techniques. In addition, a quantitative measurement of curl known as the curl factor, and a test part known as a quarter cylinder are described, which together can be used to measure the effectiveness of the above techniques in reducing curl.
摘要:
The instant invention is directed to related methods of producing a three-dimensional object by dispensing sheets of a material, capable of physical transformation upon exposure to synergistic stimulation, onto a substantially flat working surface of a previous cross-section. In one preferred embodiment, sheets of a photoresist are employed which change solubility upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In other preferred embodiments, non-photoreactive sheets are employed, which ablate upon exposure to infrared radiation.
摘要:
An improved sterolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object from object defining information, the information defining the object being structurally specified to reduce curl, stress and distortion in the ultimately formed object is described. A stereolithographic distortion known as curl is reduced by the system, and several techniques to eliminate or reduce curl are utilized by the system, including dashed line, bent line, secondary structure, rivets, and multi-pass techniques.
摘要:
A method for making a molded refractory article including the steps of providing a mold including a master pattern, the mold and master pattern defining a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with a mixture comprising refractory particles and a heat fugitive binder; placing the assembly of the mold, master pattern and mixture in a furnace; curing the mixture; separating the mold and master pattern from the cured mixture; removing the binder to form a porous structure, sintering the porous structure to provide a porous refractory article and infiltrating the porous refractory article with a filler metal.
摘要:
A solid imaging apparatus and method employing levels of exposure varied with gray scale or time or both of digitally light projected image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object on a solidifiable photopolymer build material. The gray scale levels of exposure of projected pixels permits the polymerization boundaries in projected boundary pixels to be controlled to achieve preserved image features in a three-dimensional object and smooth out rough or uneven edges that would otherwise occur using digital light projectors that are limited by the number of pixels in an image projected over the size of the image. Software is used to control intensity parameters applied to pixels to be illuminated in the image projected in the cross-section being exposed in the image plane.
摘要:
A solid imaging apparatus and method employing build material transfer means effective to transfer solidifiable liquid build material from a first side of a radiation transparent build material carrier to a receiving substrate without entrapping air bubbles in layers of transferred solidifiable liquid build material and to cleanly separate the solidified build material from the radiation transparent build material carrier as each layer is formed during the layerwise building of a three-dimensional object.An expandable membrane forming an arcuate dome and a reciprocatible flexible film are employed to effect transfer of the solidifiable liquid build material.
摘要:
An improved stereolithography apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects using multiple chambered resin vats and a quick disconnect mounting system to permit concurrent use of multiple photopolymer build materials and easy change over of resin vats is disclosed. The apparatus permits easy change over from multiple chambered vat use to single chamber vat use and vice versa or change over between multiple chambered vats.
摘要:
A method of applying highly viscous paste-like build materials in layers in a solid freeform fabrication apparatus to form three-dimensional objects. A viscosity modifier is first introduced into the build material to establish a low viscosity state and then the material is dispensed in layers on a working surface. The viscosity modifier is then removed from the build material preferably by evaporation, and the layer is selectively solidified to form the three-dimensional object. The method substantially eliminates the undesirable effects of induced shear stress imposed on lower layers when attempting to apply uniform layers of highly viscous materials in solid freeform fabrication techniques. The method allows for the use of highly viscous paste-like materials that can include upwards of 50% by weight of metallic, ceramic, mineral, or polymer powders. Preferably the binder is a photocurable resin or thermocurable material which is selectively solidified to form the three-dimensional objects.