Systems, apparatus, and methods for curing of a photopolymer via lateral vacuum release during an additive manufacturing process
AssigneeCalt Dynamics Limited
InventorsRoss LAWLESS, Irene VILLAFANE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for continuous additive manufacturing of objects is provided. The system includes a container configured to receive a photopolymer and a print bed disposed within the container. An first end effector is movably disposed within the container. A light source is operably coupled to the first end effector, the light source being configured to emit and electromagnetic radiation. Wherein at least one of the print bed or first end effector is movable relative to the other to perform continuous separation curing of the photopolymer on the print bed with the electromagnetic radiation.
Claims22
A system for continuous additive manufacturing of objects, the system comprising:
- a container configured to receive a photopolymer;
- a print bed disposed within the container;
- an first end effector movably disposed within the container;
- and
- a light source operably coupled to the first end effector, the light source being configured to emit and electromagnetic radiation;
- wherein at least one of the print bed or first end effector is movable relative to the other to perform continuous separation curing of the photopolymer on the print bed with the electromagnetic radiation.
A method of continuous additive manufacturing of objects, the method comprising:
- disposing an end effector adjacent a print bed in a container having a photopolymer;
- activating a light source in the end effector to emit an electromagnetic radiation into an area between the end effector to cure a portion of the photopolymer in the area;
- moving the end effector laterally relative to the print bed to define a cured layer;
- releasing the portion of the photopolymer as the end effector is moved laterally;
- and
- moving one of the end effector or the print bed in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the end effector when the cured layer is completed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.