Three-dimensional printing system with rotating membrane
US10836104B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y40/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A 3D printing apparatus includes a tank holding a photo-curing liquid polymer. A transparent membrane forms a bottom surface of the tank. A circular-shaped disk is disposed below the membrane, and is supported by a frame that has a radiation-transparent printing window. The liquid polymer is cured into desired shapes by exposure to radiation as the membrane is rotated about an axis. The rotation of the membrane causes a first region thereof to be rotated out of the printing window and a second region thereof to be rotated into the printing window. A light source projects the radiation through the printing window, through the second region of the membrane, into the photo-curing liquid polymer and onto a focal plane in the photo-curing liquid polymer, thereby curing a portion of the photo-curing liquid polymer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.