Systems and Methods for Releasing a Membrane in Resin 3-D Printing

A 3-D printing system, comprising:

• a vat configured to retain resin therein;
• a membrane disposed adjacent an upper surface of the resin;
• a membrane release slidably supported on a portion of the membrane, the membrane release comprising:
• a housing defining a cavity within an interior portion thereof;
• a first roller rotatably supported within a portion of the cavity of the housing, the first roller rotatably disposed on a first portion of the membrane;
• and
• a second roller rotatably supported within a portion of the cavity of the housing in spaced relation from the first roller and forming a gap therebetween, the second roller rotatably disposed on a second portion of the membrane;
• and
• a vacuum source in fluid communication with the cavity of the housing, wherein the application of a vacuum to the cavity effectuates a corresponding deformation of the membrane between the first and second rollers.

A method of printing a 3-D sample, comprising:

• polymerizing a first layer of resin adjacent to a lower surface of a membrane, wherein the resin is disposed within an interior cavity of a vat and the membrane is disposed on an upper surface of the resin;
• effectuating a vacuum within a cavity defined within a housing of a membrane release, the membrane release including a first roller rotatably supported within a portion of the cavity and rotatably disposed on a portion of the membrane and a second roller rotatably supported within a portion of the cavity in spaced relation from the first roller and forming a gap therebetween, the second roller rotatably disposed on a second portion of the membrane;
• deforming a portion of the membrane disposed adjacent the gap as a result of the vacuum force applied thereto;
• and
• advancing the membrane release in a first direction to progressively deform the membrane as the membrane release translates thereacross, wherein advancing the membrane release in the first direction causes the polymerized layer of resin adhered to the lower surface of the membrane to be released therefrom.