Stereolithographic method and apparatus in which a membrane separates phases
First Claim
1. An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object comprising means for containing a fluid phase positioned therein, a substantially impermeable, movable membrane positioned on top of the fluid phase in said first recited means, a radiation-polymerizable liquid organic phase positioned in the containing means on top of the membrane such that contact of the phase is inhibited, a radiation source positioned above the liquid organic phase adapted to radiate the liquid organic phase to form a polymerized organic layer, movable support means and means for forming and combining successive adjacent polymerized organic layers to form a three-dimensional object.
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Abstract
The present invention contemplates a stereolithographic apparatus and method having a liquid organic phase and a fluid phase separated by a membrane that inhibits contact between the phases.
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Citations
14 Claims
- 1. An apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object comprising means for containing a fluid phase positioned therein, a substantially impermeable, movable membrane positioned on top of the fluid phase in said first recited means, a radiation-polymerizable liquid organic phase positioned in the containing means on top of the membrane such that contact of the phase is inhibited, a radiation source positioned above the liquid organic phase adapted to radiate the liquid organic phase to form a polymerized organic layer, movable support means and means for forming and combining successive adjacent polymerized organic layers to form a three-dimensional object.
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6. A method of producing a three-dimensional object comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a fluid phase in a container; (b) providing a substantially impermeable, movable membrane positioned on top of the fluid phase; (c) providing a radiation-polymerizable liquid organic phase positioned on top of the membrane, the liquid organic phase having an upper surface; (d) providing a radiation source positioned above the upper surface; (e) exposing at least a portion of the upper surface to radiation in an amount effective to at least partially polymerize the liquid organic phase at and just below the upper surface to form an at least partially polymerized organic layer; (f) covering the at least partially polymerized organic layer with additional liquid organic phase, the additional liquid organic phase having an upper surface; (g) exposing at least a portion of the upper surface to radiation in an amount effective to at least partially polymerize the additional liquid organic phase at and just below the upper surface to form another at least partially polymerized organic layer; and (h) repeating steps (f) and (g) to form a three-dimensional object. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification