SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING
First Claim
1. A method for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during a three-dimensional printing of the object, the three-dimensional object including a body structure and a support structure, the method comprising:
- receiving two-dimensional image data of a cross section of the three-dimensional object, the image including a body region and a support region, wherein the support region is distinct from the body region;
selectively depositing, on a transparent substrate, a layer that includes at least a first liquid photopolymer body material which covers and encloses the body region, and a liquid support material that is different from the first liquid photopolymer body material and which covers and encloses the support region; and
selectively solidifying the first liquid photopolymer body material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to the body region, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for preparing a layer of an object being fabricated by a three-dimensional printing process. Embodiments of the invention combine selective deposition with selective curing to benefit from the respective advantages of both techniques. Multiple printing heads deposit a two-dimensional cross section of the object being fabricated on a substrate which is transparent to curing radiation. The multiple printing heads selectively deposit different object body materials in different regions of the cross section and also selectively deposit regions of support material as necessary. The transparent substrate is then moved into registration with the object being fabricated so that the new layer is in contact with the object body, and an ultraviolet two-dimensional image of the cross section is projected through the substrate to selectively cure the new layer.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during a three-dimensional printing of the object, the three-dimensional object including a body structure and a support structure, the method comprising:
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receiving two-dimensional image data of a cross section of the three-dimensional object, the image including a body region and a support region, wherein the support region is distinct from the body region; selectively depositing, on a transparent substrate, a layer that includes at least a first liquid photopolymer body material which covers and encloses the body region, and a liquid support material that is different from the first liquid photopolymer body material and which covers and encloses the support region; and selectively solidifying the first liquid photopolymer body material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to the body region, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during a three-dimensional printing of the object, wherein the three-dimensional object includes a body structure and a support structure, the apparatus comprising:
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a controller; a transparent substrate for receiving a deposited layer of liquid materials on an upper surface thereof; a selective deposition unit that deposits at least one liquid body material and a liquid support material different from the at least one liquid body material, on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller; and a selective curing unit that selectively solidifies, by curing irradiation, a portion of the deposited layer of liquid body materials on the transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller, such that some of the liquid body material remains uncured. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for preparing a two-dimensional layer of a three-dimensional object during a three-dimensional printing of the object, wherein the three-dimensional object includes a body structure and a support structure, the apparatus comprising:
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a controller; a UV-transparent substrate for receiving a deposited layer of liquid materials on an upper surface thereof; a selective deposition unit arranged to deposit at least one liquid body material and a liquid support material that is different from the at least one liquid body material, on the UV-transparent substrate according to signals received from the controller; and a UV light projector for providing UV light to selectively solidify, by curing, a portion of the deposited layer of liquid body materials on the UV-transparent substrate, according to signals received from the controller; and a non-transitory storage unit containing machine-readable instructions, which instructions, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to; receive two-dimensional image data of a cross section of the three-dimensional object, the image including a body region and a support region, wherein the support region is distinct from the body region; send to the selective deposition unit signals for selectively depositing, on a transparent substrate, a layer that includes at least a first liquid photopolymer body material which covers and encloses the body region, and a liquid support material that is different from the first liquid photopolymer body material and which covers and encloses the support region; and send to the selective curing unit signals for selectively solidifying the first liquid photopolymer body material by irradiating the layer with curing radiation through the transparent substrate according to the body region. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification