Solid imaging apparatus and method with coating station

• US 20050013890A1
• Filed: 01/16/2004
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1990
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: DSM Desotech Incorporated (DSM-Firmenich AG)
• Original Assignee: DSM Desotech Incorporated (DSM-Firmenich AG)
• Inventors: Clausen, Christian Henning, Chapman, Brian Gregory, Mickish, Daniel James, Vassiliou, Eustathios
• Application Number:
  US10/758,271
• Publication Number:
  US 20050013890A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 425/174.400
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 41/12 Spreading-out the material on a substrate , e.g. on the surface of a liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 64/135 the energy source being concentrated, e.g. scanning lasers or focused light sources
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0073 smooth
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 10/00 Processes of additive manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 30/00 Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 70/00 Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing

Abstract

A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for fabricating an integral three-dimensional object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation, said apparatus including an imaging means for exposing said layers, a vessel for containing a fixed amount of said composition so as to present a free surface at a substantially constant position relative to said imaging means, and a movable platform disposed within said vessel below said free surface, the improvement in said apparatus comprising:

a means to transfer a part of said composition above said free surface; and

a layering means for contacting the composition transferred above said free surface and moving over said platform to form a layer of said composition.