Stereolithographic method and apparatus with enhanced control of prescribed stimulation production and application
US6129884A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0073
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rapid prototyping and manufacturing (e.g. stereolithography) method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional objects by selectively subjecting a liquid or other fluid-like material to a beam of prescribed stimulation. In a preferred embodiment a source of prescribed stimulation is controlled to reduce or inhibit the production of the prescribed stimulation during at least some periods when the prescribed stimulation is not needed to expose the material. In another preferred embodiment, the source of stimulation is controlled to vary the quantity of prescribed stimulation that is produced and allowed to reach the material. In an additional preferred embodiment, control of laser output occurs based on a combination of supplying a regulated amount of voltage to an AOM in conjunction with temporary sensing of laser power and a known desired power to attain. In a further preferred embodiment, a quantity of prescribed stimulation may be set by consideration of desired solidification depths to be used, beam profile characteristics, material properties, and scanning speed limitations for different data types. In a still further preferred embodiment, a transition between selected con…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.