Systems and methods for fabricating 3-D objects
AssigneeAlign Technology, Inc.
InventorsShiva P. Sambu, Long Phan, Srinivas Kaza, Michael J. Doung
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for a platform to form a three-dimensional article from successively selectively solidified layers of a liquid medium which is solidifiable by application thereto of a prescribed energy. The platform can be coated or uncoated. The platform can have an array of openings therethrough. Upon completion, the article can be removed from the platform using a punch having a plurality of projections adapted to engage openings in the platform. Alternatively, a tool can be used to push articles from the platform.
Claims19
An apparatus for forming articles from successively-deposited and solidified layers of a liquid medium, comprising:
- platform having first and second opposed surfaces, the first surface being configured for the deposition thereon and the adhesion thereto of successive layers of the liquid medium, wherein the first surface comprises a material that adheres to the liquid medium as it solidifies, the adhesion between the first surface and the solidified liquid medium being sufficient to retain the successively-deposited layers on the first surface as each layer is solidified while permitting the removal of the article from the first surface without breakage;
- a plurality of openings in the platform, each of the openings extending through the first and second surfaces of the platform;
- and
- a punch having a plurality of projections, each configured to engage one of the openings in the platform, the punch being operable to insert the projections into the openings from the second surface of the platform so as to remove from the platform the articles formed on the first surface.
Apparatus for use in a rapid prototyping machine, of the type that forms a three-dimensional article from successively-deposited layers of a liquid photopolymer medium that is solidified by the application thereto of radiation energy, the apparatus further being of the type including container containing the liquid photopolymer medium, the apparatus comprising:
- a platform configured and operable for vertical translation within the container and having first and second oppose surfaces defining a surface area, the first surface being configured for the deposition thereon and the adhesion thereto of successive layers of the liquid photopolymer medium, wherein the first surface comprises a material that adheres to the liquid photopolymer medium as it solidifies, the adhesion between the first surface and the solidified photopolymer medium being sufficient to retain the successively-deposited layers on the first surface as each layer is solidified in forming the article, while permitting the removal of the article from the first surface without breakage;
- and
- an array of openings occupying most of the surface area of the platform, each of the openings extending through the first and second surfaces of the platform, the openings being configured and arranged to minimize the contact area between the first surface of the platform and the solidified photopolymer, thereby to facilitate the removal of the article from the first surface of the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.