Method of stabilizing a photohardening inhibitor-permeable film in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects
US10335997B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2883/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a photohardenable material are shown and described. A photohardening inhibitor is admitted into a surface of a photohardenable material through a flexible film to create a “non-solidification zone” where little or no solidification occurs. The non-solidification zone prevents the exposed surface of the photohardenable material from solidifying in contact with the film. The inhibitor tends to cause the film to deform along the build axis, thereby creating a non-planar interface between the photohardenable material and the film, which distorts the resulting three-dimensional object. An apparatus is provided to stabilize the flexible film and eliminate or minimize such deformation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.