Solid image apparatus with improved part separation from the image plate
US9636873B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Devices, methods, and computer program products for facilitating the assembly of three-dimensional parts in a layer-wise fashion are disclosed, wherein separation forces between the assembler device and the parts are minimized at certain interfaces. Parts may be produced from polymers, photopolymers, metals, or other materials. In some aspects of the present disclosure, separation forces are minimized via the utilization of a cure inhibiting layer on a top surface of the image plate and via sliding the part from contact with a portion of the image plate having high elevation to above a portion of the image plate with low elevation. In some aspects, the assembler device further comprises a sweeper configured to expose the cure inhibiting layer to a source of cure inhibitor after a cure cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.