Method and apparatus for three-dimensional printing
AssigneeObjet Ltd.
InventorEliahu M. Kritchman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method to fabricate three-dimensional objects, layer by layer, by selectively dispensing material from a printing head onto a transfer platform to form a cross-sectional layer of the object that has a pre-determined non-uniform surface. Each layer may then be transferred from the transfer platform to previously formed layers that are carried by a fabrication platform by contacting an exposed surface of a previously formed layer to the layer on the transfer platform.
Claims15
A method of producing, layer by layer, three-dimensional objects, the method comprising:
- selectively dispensing material, layer by layer, from a printing head onto a transfer platform, each layer corresponding to a cross section of a three-dimensional object to be formed;
- transferring, layer by layer, each layer from the transfer platform to a fabrication platform prior to depositing a subsequent layer on the transfer platform until the three-dimensional object is formed,
- wherein a deposited layer is designed to have a non-uniform thickness.
The method of 1, wherein the material is a photopolymer.
The method of 1, wherein the material is a wax material.
The method of 1, wherein a non-uniform surface of the deposited layer becomes uniform as a result of contacting the non-uniform surface to a surface of a previously formed layer, wherein the previously formed layer is carried by the fabrication platform.
The method of 1, wherein a portion of material from the peaks is squeezed into the valleys during attachment of the deposited material to a previously formed layer.
The method of 1, wherein the deposited layer is designed such that the thickness in a circumference of the deposited layer is larger than the thickness in adjacent areas.
The method of 1, wherein said layer is at least partially solidified before being transferred.
The method of 1, wherein said layer comprises more than one dispensed material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.