Method of and apparatus for making a three-dimensional product by stereolithography
US5174931A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/17
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.