Methods for additive manufacturing with fixed substrates

A method comprising:

• applying a precursor material to a flexible substrate;
• moving a carriage laterally along the flexible substrate, such that the carriage vertically displaces an active region of the flexible substrate downward and away from a remaining region of the flexible substrate and toward a build platform;
• and
• outputting energy toward the precursor material at the active region of the flexible substrate to form a portion of an object on the build platform, wherein the energy is directed down toward the active region.

A method comprising:

• applying a curable material to a carrier film;
• lowering an active region of the carrier film away from a remaining region of the carrier film and toward a build platform;
• and
• outputting energy toward the curable material at the active region of the carrier film to form a portion of an object on the build platform, wherein the energy is directed down toward the active region.