Method and apparatus for identifying surface features associated with selected lamina of a three-dimensional object being stereolithographically formed
US5945058A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0073
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to the stepwise layer-by-layer formation of a three-dimensional object through application of the principles of stereolithography and to the automatic detection of surface features of each layer of a three-dimensional object to manufacture parts more reliably, more accurately and more quickly. Automatic detection of trapped volume regions and size of solidified cross-sectional regions are disclosed. Automatic selection of recoating styles is made based on (1) the detected regions,(2) empirically or otherwise determined optimum recoating styles for different types of regions, and (3) a look-up table, other correlation system, or processor for associating recoating style information with laminae containing particular identified regions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.