Solid imaging system using differential tension elastomerc film
AssigneeE. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
InventorsJohn A. Lawton, Daniel J. Mickish
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for fabricating integral three-dimensional objects from successive layers of deformable and photoformable compositions by exposing the layers of the composition through a tensioned, elastomeric transparent film, in a way that the weak bonds between the film and each newly solidified layer are broken by changing the tension on the film, thus allowing a new layer of deformable composition to be introduced between the film and the solidified layer.
Claims10
In an apparatus for fabricating an integral three-dimensional object from successive solidified layers of a deformable and photoformable composition, including an assembly of imaging means, and a coating station having a vessel for containing the composition and a substantially flat platform disposed within the vessel, wherein the improvement comprises a transparent, elastomeric and non-adherent film supported over the platform at a distance equal to the thickness of a layer, tensioning means for controllably applying a first tension to the film and a second tension different from said first tension, and placement means for controllably varying the distance between the film and the platform in order to allow the successive layers of the photoformable composition to be formed under said film and be solidified by imagewise exposure to radiation provided by the imaging means.
An apparatus for fabricating an integral three-dimensional object from successive solidified layers of a deformable and photoformable composition comprising an assembly of:
- imaging means for imagewise exposing to radiation each of the successive layers of the photoformable composition;
- and
- a coating station comprising,
- a vessel for containing the composition;
- a substantially flat platform disposed within the vessel;
- a transparent, elastomeric and non-adherent film supported over the platform at a distance equal to the thickness of a layer, the film having a first and a second surface, the first surface being opposite and parallel to the second surface and to the platform, the film intended to be operable within the composition in a manner preventing wetting of the first surface by the composition, and allowing at least part of the second surface to be in contact with the composition;
- tensioning means for controllably applying a first tension to the film and a second tension different from said first tension;
- and
- placement means for controllably varying the distance between the second surface of the film and the platform in order to allow the successive layers of the photoformable composition to be formed under said second surface and be solidified by the imagewise exposure to radiation provided by the imaging means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.