Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional objects using ablation transfer
First Claim
1. A method of generating a three-dimensional object onto a receiver surface by ablation transfer, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. representing the object as a three-dimensional image comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising an array of object positions arranged along first and second dimensions, the layers being contiguous along a third dimension;
b. providing a transfer carrier comprising first and second opposed surfaces and, on the first surface, a polymeric transfer material, irradiation of the transfer carrier by transfer radiation through the second surface causing ablative ejection of the transfer material from the carrier onto the receiver surface, the receiver surface and the transfer material being separated by a separation distance;
c. depositing a first layer onto the receiver surface by irradiating the transfer carrier in a pattern corresponding to a first layer of the three-dimensional image; and
d. depositing at least five additional layers by augmenting the separation distance and irradiating the transfer carrier in patterns corresponding to the additional layers of the three-dimensional image, each successive layer being deposited onto the previous layer.
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Abstract
A three-dimensional object is generated according to a stored, digital representation through layer-by-layer transfer of material onto a receiver, each layer corresponding to a layer of the three-dimensional representation. Each deposited layer is applied through selective irradiation of an ablation-transfer carrier. The carrier includes a transfer material that is ejected in response to irradiation, and which solidifies on the receiver or on a previously applied layer of transfer material. Thus, irradiation of the carrier in an area pattern corresponding to a layer results in deposition of the transfer material in accordance with the pattern. Sequential irradiations of fresh ablation-transfer carrier material, each according to a two-dimensional pattern corresponding to one of the contiguous layers of the three-dimensional object, result in depositions that gradually build up into the three-dimensional object.
52 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of generating a three-dimensional object onto a receiver surface by ablation transfer, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. representing the object as a three-dimensional image comprising a plurality of layers, each layer comprising an array of object positions arranged along first and second dimensions, the layers being contiguous along a third dimension; b. providing a transfer carrier comprising first and second opposed surfaces and, on the first surface, a polymeric transfer material, irradiation of the transfer carrier by transfer radiation through the second surface causing ablative ejection of the transfer material from the carrier onto the receiver surface, the receiver surface and the transfer material being separated by a separation distance; c. depositing a first layer onto the receiver surface by irradiating the transfer carrier in a pattern corresponding to a first layer of the three-dimensional image; and d. depositing at least five additional layers by augmenting the separation distance and irradiating the transfer carrier in patterns corresponding to the additional layers of the three-dimensional image, each successive layer being deposited onto the previous layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification