WO2012143785A1 - Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine - Google Patents

Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012143785A1
WO2012143785A1 PCT/IB2012/000775 IB2012000775W WO2012143785A1 WO 2012143785 A1 WO2012143785 A1 WO 2012143785A1 IB 2012000775 W IB2012000775 W IB 2012000775W WO 2012143785 A1 WO2012143785 A1 WO 2012143785A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
fluid substance
suited
stereolithography
layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2012/000775
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ettore Maurizio Costabeber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DWS SRL
Original Assignee
DWS SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=44554120&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2012143785(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority to BR112013021862A priority Critical patent/BR112013021862A2/en
Priority to ES12724705.4T priority patent/ES2607071T3/en
Priority to CN201280019545.6A priority patent/CN103492160B/en
Priority to EP12724705.4A priority patent/EP2699407B1/en
Priority to KR1020167001455A priority patent/KR20160013264A/en
Priority to JP2014505733A priority patent/JP5870414B2/en
Priority to RU2013150329/05A priority patent/RU2562494C2/en
Application filed by DWS SRL filed Critical DWS SRL
Priority to CA2831917A priority patent/CA2831917C/en
Priority to KR1020137024064A priority patent/KR101841321B1/en
Priority to US14/001,960 priority patent/US8894400B2/en
Publication of WO2012143785A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012143785A1/en
Priority to IL228834A priority patent/IL228834A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to US14/522,728 priority patent/US9457516B2/en
Priority to US15/284,208 priority patent/US9751261B2/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/205—Means for applying layers
    • B29C64/214—Doctor blades
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/124—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/124—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified
    • B29C64/129—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask
    • B29C64/135—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using layers of liquid which are selectively solidified characterised by the energy source therefor, e.g. by global irradiation combined with a mask the energy source being concentrated, e.g. scanning lasers or focused light sources
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/245—Platforms or substrates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/255—Enclosures for the building material, e.g. powder containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/264—Arrangements for irradiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/264—Arrangements for irradiation
    • B29C64/268—Arrangements for irradiation using laser beams; using electron beams [EB]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/307—Handling of material to be used in additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/321—Feeding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/40—Structures for supporting 3D objects during manufacture and intended to be sacrificed after completion thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y10/00—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor

Definitions

  • STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A THREE- DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND STEREOLITHOGRAPHY METHOD APPLICABLE TO SAID MACHINE.
  • the present invention concerns a stereolithography machine and a stereolithography method applicable to said stereolithography machine.
  • the stereolithography technique is used to produce three- dimensional objects through the successive deposition of several layers of a light-sensitive liquid resin capable of polymerizing through exposure to a light source.
  • each resin layer is superimposed to the preceding layer of the three-dimensional object to be produced and is allowed to selectively solidify in the points corresponding to the volume of the object itself.
  • a stereolithography machine comprises a container suited to contain said liquid resin and provided with a transparent bottom.
  • a light source generally a laser emitter or a projector, capable of selectively irradiating the layer of liquid resin arranged adjacent to the bottom of the container so that it solidifies.
  • the machine comprises also a modelling plate suited to support the solidified layers of the three-dimensional object, associated with actuator means suited to provide for moving the plate in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the container.
  • first of all the modelling plate is arranged at a distance from the bottom of the container that is equal to the thickness of the layer to be solidified.
  • the liquid resin layer adjacent to the bottom of the container is selectively irradiated by means of the light source in order to solidify it.
  • the modelling plate is configured so that the solidified layer adheres to it while, in the contrary, the bottom of the container is provided with a covering that reduces such adhesion.
  • the modelling plate is successively moved away from the bottom of the container, so as to make the solidified layer emerge from the liquid resin and thus make it possible to restore the thickness of the liquid resin that is necessary for processing a successive layer of the object.
  • lifting the modelling plate and the solidified layer means leaving a depression in the liquid resin, which is filled by the spontaneous flow of the resin itself.
  • Said levelling action restores the thickness of the liquid resin that is necessary to solidify a new layer of the object and furthermore prevents air bubbles from remaining trapped into the liquid resin during the successive lowering of the modelling plate, which may affect the integrity of the successive layer of the three-dimensional object.
  • the modelling plate is immersed again in the liquid resin and a further layer of the object is solidified.
  • the method described above poses the drawback that the overall processing time of the three-dimensional object is considerably prolonged due to the waiting time needed after the solidification of each layer of the object for the liquid resin to level out.
  • the waiting times are proportional to the viscosity of the liquid resin. Therefore, the drawback mentioned above is particularly important when resins of the so-called “hybrid” type are used, which comprise particles in ceramic or other materials mixed with the polymeric component.
  • Said hybrid resins are suitable for producing objects with high mechanical resistance but on the other hand their viscosity is much higher compared to the other resins commonly used in stereolithography.
  • the stereolithography machine includes a circular revolving tank and a fixed levelling paddle arranged in contact with the resin, developing radially with respect to the tank.
  • the tank Before the solidification of each layer, the tank is rotated so that the levelling paddle fills the depression left by the modelling plate when it is lifted.
  • This embodiment poses the drawback that the diameter of the tank is at least twice the length of the paddle and therefore occupies a considerably larger space compared to the minimum surface required for modelling.
  • the present invention intends to overcome all the drawbacks of the known art as outlined above.
  • the method and the machine that are the subjects of the invention make it possible to produce a three-dimensional object in an overall time that is substantially independent of the viscosity of the fluid substance used.
  • the invention is particularly suited to be used with highly viscous liquid substances like, for example, the hybrid resins mentioned above, or with fluid pasty substances whose viscosity is even higher.
  • the reduced overall dimensions make it possible to use the machine in smaller spaces.
  • a stereolithography machine indicated as a whole by 1 in Figure 1 , which comprises a container 2 containing a fluid substance 3 suited to be solidified through exposure to predefined radiation 4a.
  • fluid substance means a substance suited to be distributed in the container 2 so that its surfaces assumes a substantially flat shape, for example like that of a liquid or pasty substance.
  • the fluid substance 3 is preferably but not necessarily a light-sensitive polymeric liquid resin and the predefined radiation is light radiation.
  • said resin is of the so-called “hybrid” type, comprising particles in ceramic or other materials that are capable of increasing the mechanical resistance of the resin once it has solidified.
  • the method and the machine of the invention may be used with a fluid substance of any type, provided that it is able to solidify following exposure to predefined radiation.
  • the machine 1 also comprises means 4 suited to emit the predefined radiation 4a, capable of selectively irradiating a layer of the fluid substance 3 having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom 2a of the container 2 so as to solidify it.
  • the emitter means 4 are preferably arranged under the container 2 and are configured so as to direct the predefined radiation 4a towards the bottom 2a of the container 2, which is transparent to radiation, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the emitter means 4 comprise a laser light emitter associated with means suited to direct the light beam towards any point of the above mentioned layer of the fluid substance 3.
  • the emitter means 4 comprise a projector suited to generate a luminous image corresponding to the surface area of the layer of fluid substance 3 to be solidified.
  • the stereolithography machine 1 also comprises a modelling plate 5 facing the bottom 2a of the container 2 and suited to support the three-dimensional object 11 being formed.
  • the modelling plate 5 is associated with actuator means 7 suited to move it with respect to the bottom 2a according to a modelling direction X that is perpendicular to the same bottom 2a.
  • the modelling plate 5 is configured in such a way that the fluid substance 3 adheres to it once it has solidified.
  • the bottom 2a of the container 2 is preferably made of a material that prevents said adhesion.
  • the modelling plate 5 is immersed in the fluid substance 3 until arranging it at a distance from the bottom 2a that is equal to the thickness of the solidified layer to be obtained.
  • the layer of the fluid substance 3 is then selectively irradiated in order to obtain the solidified layer 6, which adheres to the modelling plate 5, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the modelling plate 5 is lifted in such a way as to move the solidified layer 6 away from the bottom 2a until it emerges from the fluid substance 3, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the fluid substance 3 contained in the container 2 there still is a depressed area 3a at the level of the position previously occupied by the modelling plate 5 and/or by the three-dimensional object 11 being formed.
  • the fluid substance 3 is redistributed in the container 2 by pushing the fluid substance 3 towards the depression 3a through levelling means 8 arranged in contact with the fluid substance 3.
  • said levelling means 8 are associated with power means, not shown herein but known per se, configured so as to move them with respect to the bottom 2a of the container 2 in contact with the fluid substance 3, so as to redistribute the latter as described above.
  • the modelling plate 5 is lowered again and the operations described above are repeated in order to obtain the solidification of a further layer of the object 11.
  • levelling means 8 make it possible to fill the depression 3a in a much quicker way compared to the known method previously described, in which the filling action is due to the spontaneous redistribution of the fluid substance.
  • the waiting time for the levelling of the fluid substance 3 after the solidification of each layer of the object is considerably reduced, thus reaching the aim to reduce the overall processing time compared to the time required by the methods of the known type.
  • the method of the invention is particularly suited to be used when the fluid substance 3 is a hybrid resin with high viscosity, as previously explained.
  • the levelling means 8 are placed in contact with the surface of the fluid substance 3 in an area where the level is higher than the level of the fluid substance 3 at the height of the depression 3a, so as to be able to push the fluid substance 3 towards the depression 3a.
  • the container 2 can be moved in a direction of movement Y with respect to the modelling plate 5.
  • the levelling means 8 comprise two paddles 9, 10 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the modelling plate 5 and mainly developed according to a longitudinal direction perpendicular to said direction of movement Y.
  • the length of the paddles 9, 10 corresponds to the width of the container 2.
  • the paddles 9 and 10 are shown in a side view and therefore their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the plane of the figures themselves.
  • the paddles 9, 10 can have any shape, even different from that shown in the figures, provided that they are suited to come into contact with the surface of the fluid substance 3 contained in the container 2 in order to level it.
  • the redistribution of the fluid substance 3 is carried out by maintaining the paddles 9, 10 fixed and moving the container 2 in said direction of movement Y, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • the presence of two paddles 9 and 10 makes it possible to redistribute the fluid substance 3 in any one of the two directions of movement of the container 2, thus avoiding the need to bring the container 2 back to its initial position before solidifying each layer.
  • the container 2 is moved so that the area in which there is the depression 3a, visible in Figure 5, is displaced with respect to the modelling plate 5, thus aligning with the latter a different area of the container 2, not affected by the depression 3a, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the solidification of the successive layer can thus take place at the level of this new area of the container 2.
  • the depression 3a is filled so that the previous area can be used in the successive solidification of a further layer.
  • the container 2 can have a rectangular shape whose length, according to the direction of movement Y, is equal to approximately twice the minimum dimension required for modelling, and whose width is approximately equal to said minimum dimension.
  • the minimum diameter of the container must be equal to approximately twice said minimum dimension.
  • the power means of the paddles 9 and 10 are configured so that each paddle can be immersed in the fluid substance 3 and extracted from it independently of the other paddle.
  • the redistribution of the fluid substance 3 can be carried out using only the paddle that, with respect to the modelling plate 5, is arranged downstream according to the direction of movement Y of the container 2 or, in other words, upstream of the depression 3a.
  • levelling means to fill the depression present in the fluid substance after the solidification of each layer of the object makes it possible to reduce the waiting time before the solidification of the successive layer.
  • the overall time necessary to make the three-dimensional object is considerably reduced compared to the time needed when using the stereolithography methods of the known type, and said time reduction becomes larger as the viscosity of the fluid substance used increases.
  • the presence of two paddles arranged on corresponding opposite sides of the modelling plate makes it possible to level the fluid substance through an alternating motion of the container in two opposite senses, thus avoiding the need to use a circular container which is rather bulky.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is a stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) suited to contain a fluid substance (3) suited to solidify through exposure to predefined radiation (4a); means (4) suited to emit the predefined radiation (4a) and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance (3) having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); a modelling plate (5) suited to support the solidified layer (6); actuator means (7) suited to move the modelling plate (5) according to a direction perpendicular to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); levelling means (8) arranged in contact with the fluid substance (3), associated with power means suited to move them with respect to the container (2) so as to redistribute the fluid substance (3) in the container (2). The power means are configured so as to move the container (2) in each one or the two opposite senses of a direction of movement (Y) and the levelling means (8) comprise two paddles (9, 10) that are opposite each other with respect to the modelling plate (5).

Description

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE FOR PRODUCING A THREE- DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND STEREOLITHOGRAPHY METHOD APPLICABLE TO SAID MACHINE.
DESCRIPTION
The present invention concerns a stereolithography machine and a stereolithography method applicable to said stereolithography machine.
As is known, the stereolithography technique is used to produce three- dimensional objects through the successive deposition of several layers of a light-sensitive liquid resin capable of polymerizing through exposure to a light source.
In particular, each resin layer is superimposed to the preceding layer of the three-dimensional object to be produced and is allowed to selectively solidify in the points corresponding to the volume of the object itself.
A stereolithography machine according to a known embodiment comprises a container suited to contain said liquid resin and provided with a transparent bottom.
There is also a light source, generally a laser emitter or a projector, capable of selectively irradiating the layer of liquid resin arranged adjacent to the bottom of the container so that it solidifies.
The machine comprises also a modelling plate suited to support the solidified layers of the three-dimensional object, associated with actuator means suited to provide for moving the plate in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the container.
According to a stereolithography method of the known type using the above mentioned machine, first of all the modelling plate is arranged at a distance from the bottom of the container that is equal to the thickness of the layer to be solidified.
Successively, the liquid resin layer adjacent to the bottom of the container is selectively irradiated by means of the light source in order to solidify it.
The modelling plate is configured so that the solidified layer adheres to it while, in the contrary, the bottom of the container is provided with a covering that reduces such adhesion.
The modelling plate is successively moved away from the bottom of the container, so as to make the solidified layer emerge from the liquid resin and thus make it possible to restore the thickness of the liquid resin that is necessary for processing a successive layer of the object.
In fact, lifting the modelling plate and the solidified layer means leaving a depression in the liquid resin, which is filled by the spontaneous flow of the resin itself.
Said levelling action restores the thickness of the liquid resin that is necessary to solidify a new layer of the object and furthermore prevents air bubbles from remaining trapped into the liquid resin during the successive lowering of the modelling plate, which may affect the integrity of the successive layer of the three-dimensional object.
Once said spontaneous levelling is completed, the modelling plate is immersed again in the liquid resin and a further layer of the object is solidified.
The method described above poses the drawback that the overall processing time of the three-dimensional object is considerably prolonged due to the waiting time needed after the solidification of each layer of the object for the liquid resin to level out.
Since the number of layers that form an object obtained through stereolithography can reach several hundreds, it can be understood that the waiting times mentioned above result in a considerable increase in the processing time.
Obviously, the waiting times are proportional to the viscosity of the liquid resin. Therefore, the drawback mentioned above is particularly important when resins of the so-called "hybrid" type are used, which comprise particles in ceramic or other materials mixed with the polymeric component.
Said hybrid resins are suitable for producing objects with high mechanical resistance but on the other hand their viscosity is much higher compared to the other resins commonly used in stereolithography.
In a known embodiment, described in the Patent application WO 2010/045950, the stereolithography machine includes a circular revolving tank and a fixed levelling paddle arranged in contact with the resin, developing radially with respect to the tank.
Before the solidification of each layer, the tank is rotated so that the levelling paddle fills the depression left by the modelling plate when it is lifted.
This embodiment poses the drawback that the diameter of the tank is at least twice the length of the paddle and therefore occupies a considerably larger space compared to the minimum surface required for modelling. The present invention intends to overcome all the drawbacks of the known art as outlined above.
In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a stereolithography method and a stereolithography machine that make it possible to produce a three-dimensional object through the solidification of a fluid substance in layers, more rapidly than when employing the method of the known type described above.
It is a further object of the invention to limit the overall dimensions of the machine compared to the machines of the known type.
The above mentioned objects are achieved by a stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object in layers according to claim 1.
The objects described above are also achieved by a stereolithography method suited to be applied to the stereolithography machine as described above, according to claim 3.
Further characteristics and details of the invention are described in the corresponding dependent claims.
Advantageously, the method and the machine that are the subjects of the invention make it possible to produce a three-dimensional object in an overall time that is substantially independent of the viscosity of the fluid substance used.
Therefore, to advantage, the invention is particularly suited to be used with highly viscous liquid substances like, for example, the hybrid resins mentioned above, or with fluid pasty substances whose viscosity is even higher.
Still advantageously, the reduced overall dimensions make it possible to use the machine in smaller spaces.
The said objects and advantages, together with others which will be highlighted below, are illustrated in the description of some preferred embodiments of the invention which are provided by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
- Figures from 1 to 6 show schematic side views of the stereolithography machine of the invention, in different operating configurations.
The method of the invention is described with reference to a stereolithography machine indicated as a whole by 1 in Figure 1 , which comprises a container 2 containing a fluid substance 3 suited to be solidified through exposure to predefined radiation 4a. It is specified since now that the term "fluid substance" means a substance suited to be distributed in the container 2 so that its surfaces assumes a substantially flat shape, for example like that of a liquid or pasty substance. The fluid substance 3 is preferably but not necessarily a light-sensitive polymeric liquid resin and the predefined radiation is light radiation.
In particular, said resin is of the so-called "hybrid" type, comprising particles in ceramic or other materials that are capable of increasing the mechanical resistance of the resin once it has solidified.
However, the method and the machine of the invention may be used with a fluid substance of any type, provided that it is able to solidify following exposure to predefined radiation.
The machine 1 also comprises means 4 suited to emit the predefined radiation 4a, capable of selectively irradiating a layer of the fluid substance 3 having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom 2a of the container 2 so as to solidify it.
The emitter means 4 are preferably arranged under the container 2 and are configured so as to direct the predefined radiation 4a towards the bottom 2a of the container 2, which is transparent to radiation, as shown in Figure 2.
Preferably, if the fluid substance 3 is a light-sensitive resin, the emitter means 4 comprise a laser light emitter associated with means suited to direct the light beam towards any point of the above mentioned layer of the fluid substance 3. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, not illustrated herein, the emitter means 4 comprise a projector suited to generate a luminous image corresponding to the surface area of the layer of fluid substance 3 to be solidified.
The stereolithography machine 1 also comprises a modelling plate 5 facing the bottom 2a of the container 2 and suited to support the three-dimensional object 11 being formed.
The modelling plate 5 is associated with actuator means 7 suited to move it with respect to the bottom 2a according to a modelling direction X that is perpendicular to the same bottom 2a.
In particular, the modelling plate 5 is configured in such a way that the fluid substance 3 adheres to it once it has solidified.
On the contrary, the bottom 2a of the container 2 is preferably made of a material that prevents said adhesion. According to the method of the invention, the modelling plate 5 is immersed in the fluid substance 3 until arranging it at a distance from the bottom 2a that is equal to the thickness of the solidified layer to be obtained.
The layer of the fluid substance 3 is then selectively irradiated in order to obtain the solidified layer 6, which adheres to the modelling plate 5, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Successively, the modelling plate 5 is lifted in such a way as to move the solidified layer 6 away from the bottom 2a until it emerges from the fluid substance 3, as shown in Figure 4.
Following the above mentioned movement of the solidified layer 6 away from the bottom 2a, in the fluid substance 3 contained in the container 2 there still is a depressed area 3a at the level of the position previously occupied by the modelling plate 5 and/or by the three-dimensional object 11 being formed. According to the method of the invention, to fill the above mentioned depression 3a, the fluid substance 3 is redistributed in the container 2 by pushing the fluid substance 3 towards the depression 3a through levelling means 8 arranged in contact with the fluid substance 3.
In particular, said levelling means 8 are associated with power means, not shown herein but known per se, configured so as to move them with respect to the bottom 2a of the container 2 in contact with the fluid substance 3, so as to redistribute the latter as described above.
Successively, the modelling plate 5 is lowered again and the operations described above are repeated in order to obtain the solidification of a further layer of the object 11.
It can be understood that the above mentioned levelling means 8 make it possible to fill the depression 3a in a much quicker way compared to the known method previously described, in which the filling action is due to the spontaneous redistribution of the fluid substance.
Therefore, the waiting time for the levelling of the fluid substance 3 after the solidification of each layer of the object is considerably reduced, thus reaching the aim to reduce the overall processing time compared to the time required by the methods of the known type.
In particular, the higher the viscosity of the fluid substance 3 used, the shorter the overall processing time.
Therefore, the method of the invention is particularly suited to be used when the fluid substance 3 is a hybrid resin with high viscosity, as previously explained.
Preferably, the levelling means 8 are placed in contact with the surface of the fluid substance 3 in an area where the level is higher than the level of the fluid substance 3 at the height of the depression 3a, so as to be able to push the fluid substance 3 towards the depression 3a.
Furthermore, the container 2 can be moved in a direction of movement Y with respect to the modelling plate 5.
The levelling means 8 comprise two paddles 9, 10 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the modelling plate 5 and mainly developed according to a longitudinal direction perpendicular to said direction of movement Y.
Preferably, the length of the paddles 9, 10 corresponds to the width of the container 2.
In the figures, the paddles 9 and 10 are shown in a side view and therefore their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the plane of the figures themselves.
Obviously, the paddles 9, 10 can have any shape, even different from that shown in the figures, provided that they are suited to come into contact with the surface of the fluid substance 3 contained in the container 2 in order to level it.
The redistribution of the fluid substance 3 is carried out by maintaining the paddles 9, 10 fixed and moving the container 2 in said direction of movement Y, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
In this way, the paddle that is arranged upstream of the depression 3a with respect to the direction of movement pushes the fluid substance 3 in the depression, thus filling the latter, as shown in Figure 6.
Advantageously, the presence of two paddles 9 and 10 makes it possible to redistribute the fluid substance 3 in any one of the two directions of movement of the container 2, thus avoiding the need to bring the container 2 back to its initial position before solidifying each layer.
More precisely, after the solidification of a layer, the container 2 is moved so that the area in which there is the depression 3a, visible in Figure 5, is displaced with respect to the modelling plate 5, thus aligning with the latter a different area of the container 2, not affected by the depression 3a, as shown in Figure 6. The solidification of the successive layer can thus take place at the level of this new area of the container 2.
At the same time, during the movement of the container 2, the depression 3a is filled so that the previous area can be used in the successive solidification of a further layer.
Obviously, the possibility to redistribute the fluid substance 3 at the same time as the container 2 is moved in each one of two opposite senses makes it possible to use a container 2 whose surface area is smaller compared to that of the circular container used in the known art.
In fact, the container 2 can have a rectangular shape whose length, according to the direction of movement Y, is equal to approximately twice the minimum dimension required for modelling, and whose width is approximately equal to said minimum dimension.
On the contrary, in the machines of the known type using a circular tank, the minimum diameter of the container must be equal to approximately twice said minimum dimension.
Preferably, the power means of the paddles 9 and 10 are configured so that each paddle can be immersed in the fluid substance 3 and extracted from it independently of the other paddle.
In this way, to advantage, the redistribution of the fluid substance 3 can be carried out using only the paddle that, with respect to the modelling plate 5, is arranged downstream according to the direction of movement Y of the container 2 or, in other words, upstream of the depression 3a.
In this way, the other paddle is prevented from pushing the fluid substance 3 away from the depression 3a and the redistribution process is facilitated.
The above clearly shows that the invention achieves all the set objects.
In particular, the use of levelling means to fill the depression present in the fluid substance after the solidification of each layer of the object makes it possible to reduce the waiting time before the solidification of the successive layer.
Consequently, the overall time necessary to make the three-dimensional object is considerably reduced compared to the time needed when using the stereolithography methods of the known type, and said time reduction becomes larger as the viscosity of the fluid substance used increases.
Furthermore, the presence of two paddles arranged on corresponding opposite sides of the modelling plate makes it possible to level the fluid substance through an alternating motion of the container in two opposite senses, thus avoiding the need to use a circular container which is rather bulky.
The method and the machine that are the subjects of the invention may be subjected to further changes that, even though not described herein and not illustrated in the drawings, must all be considered protected by the present patent, provided that they fall within the scope of the following claims.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the protection of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1) Stereolithography machine (1) comprising:
- a container (2) for a fluid substance (3) in the liquid or paste state suited to be solidified through exposure to predefined radiation (4a);
- means (4) for emitting said predefined radiation (4a), suited to selectively irradiate a layer of said fluid substance (3) having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom (2a) of said container (2) in order to solidify it;
- a modelling plate (5) suited to support said solidified layer (6);
- actuator means (7) suited to move said modelling plate (5) with respect to said bottom (2a) at least according to a modelling direction (X) that is perpendicular to said bottom (2a);
- levelling means (8) associated with power means configured so as to move said levelling means (8) with respect to said bottom (2a) of said container (2) in contact with said fluid substance (3) so as to cause said fluid substance (3) to be redistributed in said container (2);
characterized in that said power means are configured so as to move said container (2) in each one of the two opposite senses of a direction of movement (Y), said levelling means (8) comprising at least two paddles (9, 10) mainly developed according to a longitudinal direction perpendicular to said direction of movement (Y), arranged on two corresponding opposite sides with respect to said modelling plate (5).
2) Stereolithography machine (1) according to claim 1), characterized in that said power means are configured so as to move each one of said paddles (9, 10) perpendicular to said bottom (2a) and to immerse it in and extract it from said fluid substance (3), independently of the other one of said paddles (9, 10).
3) Method for producing a three-dimensional object (11) in layers by means of a stereolithography machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following operations:
- selectively irradiating a first one of said layers of fluid substance (3) in such a way as to obtain a corresponding one of said said solidified layers (6);
- moving said solidified layer (6) away from said bottom (2a) so as to make it emerge from said fluid substance (3);
- redistributing said fluid substance (3) in said container (2) by moving said levelling means (8) with respect to said container (2) and placing them in contact with said fluid substance (3) so as to fill the depression (3a) caused by the lifting of said solidified layer (6);
- repeating the operations described above for a second one of said layers; characterized in that said redistribution process comprises two movements of said container (2) carried out according to mutually opposite senses of said direction of movement (Y).
4) Method according to claim 3), characterized in that during each one of said two movements the paddle (9, 10) arranged downstream of said depression (3a) according to the corresponding direction of movement (Y) is kept raised from said fluid substance (3).
PCT/IB2012/000775 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine Ceased WO2012143785A1 (en)

Priority Applications (13)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020137024064A KR101841321B1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
CA2831917A CA2831917C (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
CN201280019545.6A CN103492160B (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 For manufacturing the stereolithography machine of three-dimensional body and can be applicable to the stereolithography process of the machine
EP12724705.4A EP2699407B1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
KR1020167001455A KR20160013264A (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
JP2014505733A JP5870414B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
RU2013150329/05A RU2562494C2 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithographic machine for making of 3d object and method of stereolithography implemented by said machine
BR112013021862A BR112013021862A2 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 stereolithography machine and method for producing a three-dimensional layered object by means of it
US14/001,960 US8894400B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
ES12724705.4T ES2607071T3 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for the production of a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
IL228834A IL228834A (en) 2011-04-20 2013-10-10 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
US14/522,728 US9457516B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2014-10-24 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
US15/284,208 US9751261B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2016-10-03 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithograpy method applicable to said machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000099A ITVI20110099A1 (en) 2011-04-20 2011-04-20 METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND A STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE USING THIS METHOD
ITVI2011A000099 2011-04-20

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/001,960 A-371-Of-International US8894400B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
US14/522,728 Division US9457516B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2014-10-24 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012143785A1 true WO2012143785A1 (en) 2012-10-26

Family

ID=44554120

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2012/000775 Ceased WO2012143785A1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
PCT/IB2012/000776 Ceased WO2012143786A1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Method for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography machine employing said method

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2012/000776 Ceased WO2012143786A1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-04-19 Method for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography machine employing said method

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (5) US9545753B2 (en)
EP (3) EP2699407B1 (en)
JP (2) JP5870414B2 (en)
KR (5) KR101902746B1 (en)
CN (3) CN108357096A (en)
BR (1) BR112013021862A2 (en)
CA (2) CA2831728C (en)
ES (2) ES2607071T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1257947A1 (en)
IL (2) IL228834A (en)
IT (1) ITVI20110099A1 (en)
RU (2) RU2569516C2 (en)
WO (2) WO2012143785A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140265034A1 (en) * 2013-03-12 2014-09-18 Orange Maker LLC 3d printing using spiral buildup
WO2016154644A1 (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-10-06 Lithoz Gmbh Method and device for the layered construction of a shaped part
WO2016154645A1 (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-10-06 Lithoz Gmbh Method and device for the layered construction of a shaped part
EP3105033A4 (en) * 2014-02-10 2018-01-17 Global Filtration Systems, A DBA of Gulf Filtration Systems Inc. Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
US10150247B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-12-11 Orange Maker LLC 3D printing using spiral buildup and high viscosity build materials
US10471666B2 (en) 2013-10-04 2019-11-12 Kanawha Automation, Llc Dynamic additive manufacturing system

Families Citing this family (63)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1397457B1 (en) * 2010-01-12 2013-01-10 Dws Srl MODELING PLATE FOR A STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE, A STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE USING SUCH A MODELING AND TOOL PLATE FOR CLEANING SUCH A MODELING PLATE.
US9156204B2 (en) 2010-05-17 2015-10-13 Synerdyne Corporation Hybrid scanner fabricator
US8905742B2 (en) * 2010-09-17 2014-12-09 Synerdyne Corporation Compact rotary platen 3D printer
ITVI20110099A1 (en) 2011-04-20 2012-10-21 Dws Srl METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND A STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE USING THIS METHOD
DE102011085154A1 (en) * 2011-10-25 2013-04-25 Evonik Industries Ag Device for preventing deposits on optical components in laser sintering
US9636873B2 (en) * 2012-05-03 2017-05-02 B9Creations, LLC Solid image apparatus with improved part separation from the image plate
ITVI20120183A1 (en) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-28 Dws Srl CARTRIDGE FOR STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE, STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE INCLUDING SUCH CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF SUCH CARTRIDGE
USD755860S1 (en) 2013-07-31 2016-05-10 Dws S.R.L. Stereolithography machine
USD736838S1 (en) * 2013-12-20 2015-08-18 Maurizio Ettore Costabeber Stereolithography machine
US10452038B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2019-10-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Build material profile
DK3094469T3 (en) 2014-01-16 2019-12-16 Hewlett Packard Development Co GENERATION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL ITEM
US10889059B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2021-01-12 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Generating three-dimensional objects
JP6353547B2 (en) 2014-01-16 2018-07-04 ヒューレット−パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル．ピー．Ｈｅｗｌｅｔｔ‐Ｐａｃｋａｒｄ Ｄｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ， Ｌ．Ｐ． 3D object generation
JP5917586B2 (en) * 2014-03-24 2016-05-18 株式会社東芝 Material supply apparatus and additive manufacturing apparatus for additive manufacturing apparatus
TWD172647S (en) * 2014-05-30 2015-12-21 金寶電子工業股份有限公司 Portion of 3d printer
USD770545S1 (en) * 2014-06-02 2016-11-01 Natural Machines, Inc. Three-dimensional printer
USD738410S1 (en) * 2014-09-24 2015-09-08 Xyzprinting, Inc. Chassis of 3D printer
USD732587S1 (en) * 2014-11-13 2015-06-23 Xyzprinting, Inc. 3D printer
USD732586S1 (en) * 2014-11-13 2015-06-23 Xyzprinting, Inc. 3D printer
USD732588S1 (en) * 2015-01-05 2015-06-23 Xyzprinting, Inc. 3D printer
US10618270B2 (en) 2015-11-13 2020-04-14 Paxis Llc Additive manufacturing apparatus, system, and method
WO2017165832A1 (en) * 2016-03-25 2017-09-28 Sprintray Inc. System and method for three-dimensional printing
US11980512B2 (en) * 2016-06-30 2024-05-14 Dws S.R.L. Method and system for making dental prostheses
EP3290188A1 (en) * 2016-08-30 2018-03-07 Lithoz GmbH Method for reinforcing a photopolymerizable diffuse reflective material
US20180243987A1 (en) * 2017-01-25 2018-08-30 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc System and method for additively manufacturing an article incorporating materials with a low tear strength
US10363702B2 (en) * 2017-02-21 2019-07-30 Xyzprinting, Inc. Three dimensional printing apparatus
WO2018213213A1 (en) 2017-05-15 2018-11-22 Corning Incorporated Laminate having organic ink decoration and high impact resistance
US20190016046A1 (en) * 2017-07-11 2019-01-17 Young Optics Inc. Three dimensional printing device
US11351724B2 (en) 2017-10-03 2022-06-07 General Electric Company Selective sintering additive manufacturing method
US11420384B2 (en) 2017-10-03 2022-08-23 General Electric Company Selective curing additive manufacturing method
US11254052B2 (en) 2017-11-02 2022-02-22 General Electric Company Vatless additive manufacturing apparatus and method
US11590691B2 (en) 2017-11-02 2023-02-28 General Electric Company Plate-based additive manufacturing apparatus and method
WO2019112466A1 (en) * 2017-12-08 2019-06-13 Юрий Евгеньевич ВИНОГРАДОВ Method of stereolithography of photopolymer drops with subsequent curing thereof
WO2019130734A1 (en) * 2017-12-25 2019-07-04 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Three-dimensional shaping device and three-dimensional shaped article manufacturing method
US10821668B2 (en) 2018-01-26 2020-11-03 General Electric Company Method for producing a component layer-by- layer
US10821669B2 (en) 2018-01-26 2020-11-03 General Electric Company Method for producing a component layer-by-layer
SG11202009858UA (en) 2018-04-06 2020-11-27 Paxis Llc Additive manufacturing apparatus, system, and method
CN110893682A (en) * 2018-09-11 2020-03-20 三纬国际立体列印科技股份有限公司 Method of Dynamically Adjusting Lifting Parameters
WO2020092485A1 (en) * 2018-10-31 2020-05-07 Carbon, Inc. Apparatuses for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects
US12251879B2 (en) * 2018-12-10 2025-03-18 Bmf Nano Material Technology Co., Ltd. Methods of controlling dimensions in projection micro stereolithography
US11794412B2 (en) 2019-02-20 2023-10-24 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for layer thickness control in additive manufacturing
US11498283B2 (en) 2019-02-20 2022-11-15 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for build thickness control in additive manufacturing
GB201902883D0 (en) * 2019-03-04 2019-04-17 Photocentric Ltd Method of making 3D printed objects by dispensing sequential layers of material
EP3705266B1 (en) * 2019-03-08 2022-08-17 Ivoclar Vivadent AG Method for additive manufacture of a three dimensional product
US11179891B2 (en) 2019-03-15 2021-11-23 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for additive manufacturing with shared components
CN110654028B (en) * 2019-10-12 2021-03-05 上海联泰科技股份有限公司 Three-dimensional object data layering processing method and 3D printing equipment
EP4196311A4 (en) 2020-08-14 2024-08-07 Paxis LLC Additive manufacturing apparatus, system, and method
US11707883B2 (en) 2020-11-20 2023-07-25 General Electric Company Foil interaction device for additive manufacturing
US11865780B2 (en) 2021-02-26 2024-01-09 General Electric Company Accumalator assembly for additive manufacturing
US12589549B2 (en) 2021-04-27 2026-03-31 General Electric Company Systems and methods for additive manufacturing
US11951679B2 (en) 2021-06-16 2024-04-09 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing system
US11731367B2 (en) 2021-06-23 2023-08-22 General Electric Company Drive system for additive manufacturing
US11958250B2 (en) 2021-06-24 2024-04-16 General Electric Company Reclamation system for additive manufacturing
US11958249B2 (en) 2021-06-24 2024-04-16 General Electric Company Reclamation system for additive manufacturing
US11826950B2 (en) 2021-07-09 2023-11-28 General Electric Company Resin management system for additive manufacturing
US12521947B2 (en) 2021-07-14 2026-01-13 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Fabrication of resin objects using focused ultrasound waves
US12172379B2 (en) 2021-08-11 2024-12-24 General Electric Company Cleaning system for additive manufacturing
US12370741B2 (en) 2021-08-13 2025-07-29 General Electric Company Material deposition assembly for additive manufacturing
US12296535B2 (en) 2021-08-24 2025-05-13 General Electric Company Attachment structure for additive manufacturing
US11813799B2 (en) 2021-09-01 2023-11-14 General Electric Company Control systems and methods for additive manufacturing
EP4249216A1 (en) 2022-03-23 2023-09-27 General Electric Company Systems and methods for additive manufacturing
CN115214146B (en) * 2022-06-23 2024-10-22 先临三维科技股份有限公司 3D printing control method, device, electronic equipment and medium
US12403654B2 (en) 2022-09-30 2025-09-02 General Electric Company Systems and methods for additive manufacturing

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045950A1 (en) 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Ivoclar Vivadent Ag Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for the layered assembly of molds

Family Cites Families (60)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4575330A (en) 1984-08-08 1986-03-11 Uvp, Inc. Apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5059359A (en) * 1988-04-18 1991-10-22 3 D Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography
US5258146A (en) 1988-09-26 1993-11-02 3D Systems, Inc. Method of and apparatus for measuring and controlling fluid level in stereolithography
US5876550A (en) * 1988-10-05 1999-03-02 Helisys, Inc. Laminated object manufacturing apparatus and method
US5143663A (en) * 1989-06-12 1992-09-01 3D Systems, Inc. Stereolithography method and apparatus
JPH03244528A (en) * 1989-09-28 1991-10-31 Three D Syst Inc Device and method forming substantially flat and solid face for processing planograph
US5387380A (en) * 1989-12-08 1995-02-07 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Three-dimensional printing techniques
US5238614A (en) * 1991-05-28 1993-08-24 Matsushita Electric Words, Ltd., Japan Process of fabricating three-dimensional objects from a light curable resin liquid
JPH04366618A (en) 1991-06-13 1992-12-18 Mitsui Eng & Shipbuild Co Ltd Optical shaping device
US5545367A (en) * 1992-04-15 1996-08-13 Soane Technologies, Inc. Rapid prototype three dimensional stereolithography
JPH07108555B1 (en) * 1992-05-28 1995-11-22 Shiimetsuto Kk
JPH0790603B2 (en) * 1993-06-18 1995-10-04 デンケンエンジニアリング株式会社 Stereolithography device
DE69621001T2 (en) * 1995-02-01 2003-04-03 3D Systems, Inc. FAST SMOOTHING PROCESS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS PRODUCED IN LAYERS
US5573721A (en) * 1995-02-16 1996-11-12 Hercules Incorporated Use of a support liquid to manufacture three-dimensional objects
DE19514740C1 (en) * 1995-04-21 1996-04-11 Eos Electro Optical Syst Appts. for producing three-dimensional objects by laser sintering
DE19515165C2 (en) * 1995-04-25 1997-03-06 Eos Electro Optical Syst Device for producing an object using stereolithography
JP2000094528A (en) 1998-09-21 2000-04-04 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Squeegee device for stereolithography
FR2790418B1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-05-11 Optoform Sarl Procedes De Prot RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESS ALLOWING THE USE OF PASTY MATERIALS, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME
US6627376B1 (en) * 1999-04-27 2003-09-30 Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd. Stereolithographic apparatus and method for manufacturing three-dimensional object with photohardenable resin
JP2001150556A (en) * 1999-09-14 2001-06-05 Minolta Co Ltd Three-dimensional printing apparatus and three-dimensional printing method
DE10117875C1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2003-01-30 Generis Gmbh Method, device for applying fluids and use of such a device
US7241415B2 (en) * 2002-07-23 2007-07-10 University Of Southern California Metallic parts fabrication using selective inhibition of sintering (SIS)
DE50205738D1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2006-04-13 Concept Laser Gmbh Process for producing a shaped article by metal powder melting method
WO2004096527A2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-11 Objet Geometries Ltd. Rapid prototyping apparatus
US7357629B2 (en) * 2005-03-23 2008-04-15 3D Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for aligning a removable build chamber within a process chamber
DE102005022308B4 (en) * 2005-05-13 2007-03-22 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Apparatus and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object with a heated powder coating material build-up material
JP4318122B2 (en) * 2005-05-24 2009-08-19 トキワケミカル工業株式会社 Synthetic resin core manufacturing method
US7690909B2 (en) * 2005-09-30 2010-04-06 3D Systems, Inc. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing system and method
US20070077323A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 3D Systems, Inc. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing system and method
US20070075461A1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 3D Systems, Inc. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing system and method
DE102006023484A1 (en) * 2006-05-18 2007-11-22 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Apparatus and method for layering a three-dimensional object from a powdery building material
DE102006023485A1 (en) * 2006-05-18 2007-11-22 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object
EP1876012A1 (en) * 2006-07-07 2008-01-09 Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO System and method for producing a tangible object
US9985817B2 (en) * 2006-11-14 2018-05-29 Tp Lab, Inc. System and method for a universal phone number service
US7892474B2 (en) * 2006-11-15 2011-02-22 Envisiontec Gmbh Continuous generative process for producing a three-dimensional object
DE102006055054A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2008-05-29 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Apparatus for layering a three-dimensional object
DE102006055078A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2008-06-05 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Apparatus for layering a three-dimensional object
CN101616785B (en) * 2007-01-10 2014-01-08 3D系统公司 Three-dimensional printing material system with improved color, article performance, and ease of use
DE102007024469B4 (en) * 2007-05-25 2009-04-23 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Method of layering a three-dimensional object
US8070474B2 (en) * 2007-05-30 2011-12-06 Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. Lamination shaping apparatus
GB0712027D0 (en) * 2007-06-21 2007-08-01 Materials Solutions Rotating build plate
EP2052693B2 (en) * 2007-10-26 2021-02-17 Envisiontec GmbH Process and freeform fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object
JP5088114B2 (en) * 2007-12-04 2012-12-05 ソニー株式会社 Stereolithography equipment
JP5123674B2 (en) * 2008-01-21 2013-01-23 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Method for manufacturing quartz vibrating piece
WO2010045951A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Technische Universität Wien Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for building up an object in layers
US8082823B2 (en) * 2008-10-22 2011-12-27 Kravitch Nick C Scraping tool
CN101487765B (en) * 2009-02-13 2011-07-20 苏州苏试试验仪器有限公司 Three-axial vibration composite testing apparatus
EP2251185A1 (en) * 2009-05-11 2010-11-17 Ivoclar Vivadent AG Method and device for generative production of a mould with non-planar layers
JP5232077B2 (en) * 2009-06-02 2013-07-10 株式会社日立ハイテクノロジーズ Microstructure transfer device
US8372330B2 (en) * 2009-10-19 2013-02-12 Global Filtration Systems Resin solidification substrate and assembly
JP2011242757A (en) * 2010-04-20 2011-12-01 Canon Inc Regulating member, cleaning member, developing device, cleaning device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
DE102010020416A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Eos Gmbh Electro Optical Systems Construction space changing device and a device for producing a three-dimensional object with a construction space changing device
EP2670572B1 (en) * 2011-01-31 2022-09-21 Global Filtration Systems, A DBA of Gulf Filtration Systems Inc. Apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials
ES2424738T3 (en) * 2011-03-29 2013-10-08 Ivoclar Vivadent Ag Procedure for forming layers of a molded body of high viscosity polymerizable photo material
ITVI20110099A1 (en) * 2011-04-20 2012-10-21 Dws Srl METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND A STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MACHINE USING THIS METHOD
JP2014125643A (en) * 2012-12-25 2014-07-07 Honda Motor Co Ltd Apparatus for three-dimensional shaping and method for three-dimensional shaping
US9449165B2 (en) * 2014-02-06 2016-09-20 Untethered Labs, Inc. System and method for wireless proximity-based access to a computing device
US9527244B2 (en) * 2014-02-10 2016-12-27 Global Filtration Systems Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
US10414060B2 (en) * 2015-08-20 2019-09-17 America as reprecented by the Secretary of the Army Die attach solder preform cutter
US10434703B2 (en) * 2016-01-20 2019-10-08 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Additive deposition system and method

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045950A1 (en) 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Ivoclar Vivadent Ag Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for the layered assembly of molds

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140265034A1 (en) * 2013-03-12 2014-09-18 Orange Maker LLC 3d printing using spiral buildup
CN105209240A (en) * 2013-03-12 2015-12-30 橙色制造者有限责任公司 3d printing using spiral buildup
US9321215B2 (en) * 2013-03-12 2016-04-26 Orange Maker, Llc 3D printing using spiral buildup
US9937665B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-04-10 Orange Maker, Llc 3D printing using spiral buildup
US10150247B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2018-12-11 Orange Maker LLC 3D printing using spiral buildup and high viscosity build materials
US10471666B2 (en) 2013-10-04 2019-11-12 Kanawha Automation, Llc Dynamic additive manufacturing system
EP3105033A4 (en) * 2014-02-10 2018-01-17 Global Filtration Systems, A DBA of Gulf Filtration Systems Inc. Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste
WO2016154644A1 (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-10-06 Lithoz Gmbh Method and device for the layered construction of a shaped part
WO2016154645A1 (en) * 2015-04-02 2016-10-06 Lithoz Gmbh Method and device for the layered construction of a shaped part
US10864675B2 (en) 2015-04-02 2020-12-15 Lithoz Gmbh Method for the layered construction of a shaped body
US10967564B2 (en) 2015-04-02 2021-04-06 Lithoz Gmbh Method for the layered construction of a shaped body

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9545753B2 (en) 2017-01-17
ITVI20110099A1 (en) 2012-10-21
HK1257947A1 (en) 2019-11-01
US9457516B2 (en) 2016-10-04
CA2831728A1 (en) 2012-10-26
WO2012143786A1 (en) 2012-10-26
IL228864A0 (en) 2013-12-31
IL228834A (en) 2017-10-31
JP2014511789A (en) 2014-05-19
US20170021567A1 (en) 2017-01-26
EP2699408B1 (en) 2016-12-14
EP2699407A1 (en) 2014-02-26
KR20160013264A (en) 2016-02-03
US9751261B2 (en) 2017-09-05
CA2831728C (en) 2018-08-07
ES2607071T3 (en) 2017-03-29
JP5896253B2 (en) 2016-03-30
CN103492159A (en) 2014-01-01
IL228834A0 (en) 2013-12-31
CN108357096A (en) 2018-08-03
RU2013150328A (en) 2015-05-27
CA2831917C (en) 2016-11-22
JP5870414B2 (en) 2016-03-01
CN103492160A (en) 2014-01-01
EP3159148A1 (en) 2017-04-26
US20170190111A1 (en) 2017-07-06
KR20180016648A (en) 2018-02-14
US20130337100A1 (en) 2013-12-19
KR101902746B1 (en) 2018-09-28
JP2014511788A (en) 2014-05-19
US20150042016A1 (en) 2015-02-12
EP2699407B1 (en) 2016-09-21
BR112013021862A2 (en) 2016-10-25
US20140027953A1 (en) 2014-01-30
ES2617503T3 (en) 2017-06-19
KR101841321B1 (en) 2018-03-22
KR20130124381A (en) 2013-11-13
EP2699408A1 (en) 2014-02-26
CN103492160B (en) 2017-04-05
IL228864B (en) 2018-04-30
KR20130135374A (en) 2013-12-10
CA2831917A1 (en) 2012-10-26
RU2569516C2 (en) 2015-11-27
RU2013150329A (en) 2015-05-27
RU2562494C2 (en) 2015-09-10
US10046519B2 (en) 2018-08-14
KR20160130529A (en) 2016-11-11
US8894400B2 (en) 2014-11-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2699407B1 (en) Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
CN101489766B (en) Method and system for layered fabrication of tangible objects
US7892474B2 (en) Continuous generative process for producing a three-dimensional object
EP3200983B1 (en) Continuous pull three-dimensional printing
US11707884B2 (en) Sliding window screen for reducing resin refilling time in stereolithography
EP4116066B1 (en) Additive manufacturing method for functionally graded material
HK1191901A (en) Method for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography machine employing said method
HK1191902A (en) Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine
HK1191902B (en) Stereolithography machine for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography method applicable to said machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12724705

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 14001960

Country of ref document: US

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2014505733

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 20137024064

Country of ref document: KR

Kind code of ref document: A

REEP Request for entry into the european phase

Ref document number: 2012724705

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2831917

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2013150329

Country of ref document: RU

Kind code of ref document: A

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: BR

Ref legal event code: B01A

Ref document number: 112013021862

Country of ref document: BR

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 112013021862

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20130827