Apparatus and method for generating a relief carrier by irradiation

An apparatus for generating a relief carrier using a solidifiable material, said apparatus comprising:

• a support structure configured for providing a substantially cylindrical support surface, wherein the support surface is formed by a substrate to be part of the relief carrier to be generated;
• a container for receiving the solidifiable material, said container having a wall arranged substantially parallel to an axis of the support structure, such that the support surface is at a determined distance of the wall, wherein the axis is the axis of the substantially cylindrical support surface;
• a moving means configured to move the support structure relative to the wall, such that subsequent areas of the support surface face the wall during the moving;
• said moving comprising at least a rotation around the axis, wherein the moving means is configured to translate and rotate the support structure relative to the wall such that for each degree of rotation of the support structure the support structure is translated relative to the wall over a distance which is within 10% of a value calculated as x multiplied with the outer diameter of the support surface divided by 360 (π*d/360);
• and
• an irradiating means configured to send irradiation, through said wall, in a predetermined area between the support surface and the wall to solidify the solidifiable material at the support surface;
• wherein the wall is configured to allow said irradiation to pass through the wall.

An apparatus for generating a relief carrier using a solidifiable material, said apparatus comprising:

• a support structure configured for providing a substantially cylindrical support surface, wherein the support surface is formed by a substrate to be part of the relief carrier to be generated;
• a container for receiving the solidifiable material, said container having a wall arranged substantially parallel to an axis of the support structure, such that the support surface is at a determined distance of the wall, wherein the axis is the axis of the substantially cylindrical support surface;
• a moving means configured to move the support structure relative to the wall, such that subsequent areas of the support surface face the wall during the moving;
• said moving comprising at least a rotation around the axis, wherein the moving means is configured to translate the support structure relative to the wall in a forward direction from an initial position to an end position, while the support structure is being rotated, and next in a backward direction from the end position to the initial position;
• and
• an irradiating means configured to send irradiation, through said wall, in a predetermined area between the support surface and the wall to solidify the solidifiable material at the support surface;
• wherein the wall is configured to allow said irradiation to pass through the wall.