Methods, systems, and devices for three-dimensional object generation and physical mask curing
AssigneeCalt Dynamics Limited
InventorsRoss Lawless, Irene Villafane, Warren Katz, Mark McDonagh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An additive manufacturing system is provided including a light source configured to emit light, a vessel configured to contain a photopolymer, and a bed having a surface disposed at least partially within the vessel. The surface is movable in a first direction relative to the light source. A membrane is fixed to the vessel and is positioned between the light source and the photopolymer. A movable carrier is disposed between the light source and the membrane. The light source is operably coupled to the movable carrier.
Claims17
A method of fabricating an object, the method comprising:
- providing a vessel containing a photopolymer, a membrane affixed to the vessel, and a bed having a surface disposed at least partially within the vessel, the surface being positioned a first layer thickness away from membrane;
- providing a movable carrier and a mask disposed within the carrier, the mask having a plurality of orifices formed therein, the plurality of orifices being configured to transmit light therethrough;
- directing a first light through at least one orifice of the plurality of orifices and the membrane into the photopolymer, the first light being generated by a light source;
- curing a first portion of the photopolymer between the membrane and the bed with the first light;
- moving, during operation, the carrier and the mask disposed within the carrier from a first position to a second position in a plane that is parallel to the surface to separate the first portion from the membrane, the light source being operably coupled to the carrier;
- and
- moving the bed in a direction away from the membrane and the light source.
An additive manufacturing system comprising:
- a light source configured to emit light;
- a vessel configured to contain a photopolymer;
- a bed having a surface disposed at least partially within the vessel, the surface being movable in a first direction relative to the light source;
- a membrane fixed to the vessel, the membrane being positioned between the light source and the photopolymer;
- and
- a movable carrier disposed between the light source and the membrane, the light source being operably coupled to the movable carrier, the carrier being a mask carrier that is movable during operation in a plane that is parallel to the surface;
- and
- a mask disposed within the mask carrier, the mask having a plurality of orifices formed thereon, the orifices being configured to transmit the light therethrough.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.