Rapid prototyping method and apparatus with simplified build preparation for production of three dimensional objects

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae by exposing successive layers of a material to prescribed stimulation, comprising:

• a memory for receiving data representing an object;
• a memory for receiving answers to a series of questions, including answers to stereolithographic machine types, recoating device, material type and data file units;
• a computer programmed to automatically determine a group of styles to be used in forming the object based on the answers provided, the styles including build styles and support styles;
• a coating system for forming a layer of material, according to a style forming part of the group, adjacent to any last formed layer of material in preparation for forming a subsequent lamina of the object;
• an exposure system for selectively applying prescribed stimulation to the layer, according to the object data and a style forming part of the group, to form a successive lamina of the object;
• and
• a control computer programmed to operate the coating system and the exposure system in order to form the object from a plurality of adhered laminae.

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae by exposing successive layers of a material to prescribed stimulation, comprising:

• means for receiving data representing an object;
• means for receiving answers to a series of questions, including answers to machine type, recoating device, material type and data file units;
• means for automatically determining a group of styles to be used in forming the object based on the answers provided, the styles including build styles and support styles;
• means for forming a layer of material, according to a style forming part of the group, adjacent to any last formed layer of a material in preparation for forming a subsequent lamina of the object;
• means for selectively applying prescribed stimulation to the layer, according to the object data and a style forming part of the group, to form a successive lamina of the object;
• and
• means for repeating the acts of forming and for selectively applying prescribed stimulation in order to form the object from a plurality of adhered laminae.

A stereolithographic method of forming a three-dimensional object from a plurality of adhered laminae by exposing successive layers of a material to stimulation, comprising:

• providing data representing an object to be formed;
• providing responses to a series of prompts, including responses to machine type, recoating device, material type and data file units;
• at least in part automatically determining a group of styles to be used in forming the object, wherein the determination is derived based on the responses provided, the styles including build styles and support styles;
• forming a layer of material according to at least one of the styles of the group, wherein the layer is formed in preparation for forming a successive lamina of the object;
• exposing the material to the stimulation to form a successive lamina of the object, wherein the exposure is performed according to at least one of the styles of the group;
• and
• repeating the acts of forming and exposing a plurality of times in order to form the object from a plurality of laminae.

Forming at least one lamina according to at least one style, comprising:

• providing data representing a lamina to be formed;
• providing a response to at least one prompt;
• at least in part automatically determining the at least one style to be used in forming the lamina;
• and
• forming the at least one lamina.