Methods of curing partially polymerized parts
First Claim
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1. A method for curing a stereolithographically-produced, partially polymerized part comprising a material that absorbs reactive electromagnetic radiation most strongly at peak-absorptive wavelengths and less strongly at off-peak absorptive wavelengths, comprising the steps of:
- providing a source of electromagnetic radiation, including both peak-absorptive and off-peak absorptive wavelengths, for curing said part; and
exposing said part to electromagnetic radiation while substantially screening the electromagnetic radiation at the peak-absorptive wavelengths, thereby curing the part with primarily off-peak absorptive wavelengths.
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Abstract
An improved stereolithography system and method for curing a stereolithographically-produced part, including at least some material that is no more than partially transformed, by exposing the part to off-peak-absorptive wavelengths of synergistic stimulation to achieve a more uniform cure.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for curing a stereolithographically-produced, partially polymerized part comprising a material that absorbs reactive electromagnetic radiation most strongly at peak-absorptive wavelengths and less strongly at off-peak absorptive wavelengths, comprising the steps of:
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providing a source of electromagnetic radiation, including both peak-absorptive and off-peak absorptive wavelengths, for curing said part; and exposing said part to electromagnetic radiation while substantially screening the electromagnetic radiation at the peak-absorptive wavelengths, thereby curing the part with primarily off-peak absorptive wavelengths. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for curing a stereolithographically-produced, partially polymerized part comprising a material that absorbs reactive electromagnetic radiation most strongly at peak-absorptive wavelengths and less strongly at off-peak absorptive wavelengths to further polymerize said part, comprising the steps of:
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submerging the part in a liquid medium; adding an absorbing substance, which absorbs electromagnetic radiation at peak-absorptive wavelengths more strongly than at off-peak absorptive wavelengths, to the liquid medium; and exposing said part to electromagnetic radiation while said part is still submerged in said liquid medium, thereby curing the part with primarily off-peak absorptive wavelengths. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method for curing a stereolithographically-produced, partially polymerized part comprising a material that absorbs reactive electromagnetic radiation most strongly at peak-absorptive wavelengths and less strongly at off-peak absorptive wavelengths to further polymerize said part, comprising the steps of:
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exposing said part to electromagnetic radiation from a source; and placing a screen, which filters peak-absorptive wavelengths more strongly than off-peak absorptive wavelengths from the electromagnetic radiation, between the part and said source of electromagnetic radiation, thereby curing the part primarily with off-peak absorptive wavelengths.
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Specification