Three dimensional (3D) printer with near instantaneous object printing using a photo-curing liquid
US9656422B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y30/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus or three dimensional (3D) printer is provided for generating a 3D object. The apparatus includes a print chamber and a liquid print matrix such as a photo-curing resin positioned in the print chamber. The apparatus includes an optical assembly focusing light into the print chamber in the form of a real image whose light initiates curing processes for a volume of the liquid print matrix to form the 3D object. The light focused into the print chamber has a wavelength within a wavelength curing range for the photo-curing resin. The real image may be formed using an optical assembly reflecting or redirecting and focusing light reflected from outer surfaces of an existing 3D object. The real image may also be provided in the form of a volumetric image displayed by a volumetric display device displaying planes of a 3D digital model or image of a 3D object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.