Methods and systems for additive fabrication of parts from a light-scattering build material
AssigneeFormlabs, Inc.
InventorsThomas Orr, Zachary Perlmutter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques are described for fabricating parts in an additive fabrication device from a light-scattering build material, such as ceramic build materials. An additive fabrication device may comprise a container for holding a photo-polymerizable build material containing a light-scattering species such as ceramic particles. The bottom of the tank may comprise one or more light-absorbing additives that absorb a portion of the actinic radiation used to cure the build material. The one or more light-absorbing additives may include an absorptive dye, including inorganic pigments like carbon black, organic dyes, or other species.
Claims20
An additive fabrication device configured to form layers of solid material on a build platform by curing liquid photopolymer, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a container in addition to a surface of the build platform and/or a previously formed layer of material, wherein the additive fabrication device comprises:
- a container comprising a bottom surface that comprises at least one polymer and at least one additive;
- and
- at least one energy source configured to direct actinic radiation through the bottom surface of the container to cure liquid photopolymer held by the container,
- wherein the at least one additive in the bottom surface of the container is configured to partially absorb transmission of the actinic radiation directed through the bottom surface of the container.
A method of fabricating parts with an additive fabrication device, the additive fabrication device configured to form layers of solid material on a build platform by curing liquid photopolymer, each layer of material being formed so as to contact a container in addition to a surface of the build platform and/or a previously formed layer of material, wherein the method comprises:
- supplying a photopolymer into a container that includes a bottom surface that comprises at least one polymer and at least one light-absorbing additive;
- and
- directing actinic radiation from at least one energy source through the bottom surface of the container, thereby curing a region of the liquid photopolymer held by the container, wherein no more than 60% of actinic radiation incident on the bottom surface of the container is transmitted through the bottom surface of the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.