Methods for producing additively manufactured objects with heterogeneous properties
AssigneeAlign Technology, Inc.
InventorsPeter Dorfinger, Michael Christopher Cole
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for manufacturing objects are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a digital data set representing an object, and applying energy to a curable material based on the digital data set to form the object. The object can include at least two object portions formed from the curable material using different energy application parameters. The method can further include removing residual curable material from the object. A different amount of the residual curable material can be removed from each of the at least two object portions. After the residual curable material is removed, the at least two object portions can each have different material properties.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- receiving a digital data set representing a dental appliance;
- applying energy to a curable material based on the digital data set to form the dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes at least two appliance portions formed from the curable material using different energy application parameters;
- and
- removing residual curable material from the dental appliance,
- wherein a different amount of the residual curable material is removed from each of the at least two appliance portions, and
- wherein, after the residual curable material is removed, the at least two appliance portions each have different material properties, and the at least two appliance portions each have one or more of (1) a glass transition temperature of at least 80° C. or (2) a modulus of at least 200 MPa.
A method comprising:
- receiving a digital data set representing a dental appliance;
- applying energy to a curable material based on the digital data set to form the dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes at least two appliance portions formed using different energy application parameters;
- and
- removing residual curable material from the dental appliance by exposing the dental appliance to a solvent,
- wherein the solvent is selected to infiltrate differently into the at least two appliance portions such that a different amount of the residual curable material is removed from each of the at least two appliance portions, and
- wherein, after the residual curable material is removed, the at least two appliance portions each have different material properties.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.