Method of making three-dimensional objects using both continuous and discontinuous solidification

US10737479B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Global Filtration Systems · US

Inventors

• Ali El-Siblani · Dearborn Heights, US
• Mohamad Janbain · Oberhausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 12, 2017
• Grant date: Aug 11, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y50/02
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object by solidifying a solidifiable material are shown and described. A photohardening inhibitor is admitted into a surface of a photohardenable material to create a “dead zone” where little or no solidification occurs. The dead zone prevents the exposed surface of the photohardenable material from solidifying in contact with a container bottom or film. As the solidified object areas get larger and the build platform speed increases, the dead zone increases which can cause the formation of channels in the resulting objects and delamination. A number of techniques including continuous/discontinuous mode switching, multiple illuminations of portions of the same layer, and the use of gray scaling are disclosed for regulating the size of the dead zone.