System and method for additive manufacturing of an object
AssigneeStratasys, Inc.
InventorsDiana Ravich, Eduardo Napadensky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method comprises sequentially forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the object. Each layer is formed by dispensing at least one modeling material to form an uncured layer, and curing the uncured layer by radiation. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention the method comprises, for at least one layer, forming a stack of sacrificial radiation-protective layers to cover an exposed portion of the layer, such that an upper layer of the stack remains exposed during formation of any subsequent layer of the plurality of layers.
Claims18
A system for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object having a plurality of regions at different heights, the system comprising;
- a dispensing head configured for dispensing at least one type of modeling material to form an uncured layer;
- a curing unit having a radiation source configured for curing said uncured layer by radiation;
- and
- a controller having a circuit configured to operate said dispensing head and said curing unit to sequentially form a plurality of layers of modeling material in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, and a stack of at least 10 sacrificial radiation-protective layers covering a topmost layer of each of the plurality of regions, such that an upper layer of said stack remains exposed during formation of any subsequent layer of said plurality of layers of modeling material, wherein each sacrificial radiation-protective layer is at least 5 microns in thickness.
A computer software product, comprising a computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computerized controller of an additive manufacturing system having a dispensing head and a curing unit having a radiation source, cause said controller to operate said dispensing head and said curing unit to sequentially form a plurality of layers of modeling material in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of a three-dimensional object for additive manufacturing of a three-dimensional object having a plurality of regions at different heights, and a stack of at least 10 sacrificial radiation-protective layers covering a topmost layer of each of the plurality of regions, such that an upper layer of said stack remains exposed during formation of any subsequent layer of said plurality of layers of modeling material, wherein each sacrificial radiation-protective layer is at least 5 microns in thickness.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.