Stereolithographic apparatus
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for forming three dimensional objects from solidifiable liquid material in response to energy applied to a working surface of the material, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a frame;
b. a source of energy mounted to the frame for applying energy to the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the source of energy is controlled based upon data representative of the three-dimensional objects;
c. a removable container for holding the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the removable container is removable from the frame of the apparatus;
d. a platform on which the three dimensional objects are formed, the platform being movably supported by at least one elevator leg and lowerable into the solidifiable liquid material within the container; and
e. a z-stage stepper motor mounted to the frame that raises and lowers a mounting plate, wherein the at least one elevator leg is connected to the mounting plate with a quick disconnect locking device that allows the at least one elevator leg to be disconnectable from the mounting plate so that the at least one elevator leg and platform are removable with the container holding the solidifiable liquid material.
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Abstract
An improved stereolithography apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects using multiple chambered resin vats and a quick disconnect mounting system to permit concurrent use of multiple photopolymer build materials and easy change over of resin vats is disclosed. The apparatus permits easy change over from multiple chambered vat use to single chamber vat use and vice versa or change over between multiple chambered vats.
77 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for forming three dimensional objects from solidifiable liquid material in response to energy applied to a working surface of the material, the apparatus comprising:
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a. a frame; b. a source of energy mounted to the frame for applying energy to the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the source of energy is controlled based upon data representative of the three-dimensional objects; c. a removable container for holding the solidifiable liquid material, wherein the removable container is removable from the frame of the apparatus; d. a platform on which the three dimensional objects are formed, the platform being movably supported by at least one elevator leg and lowerable into the solidifiable liquid material within the container; and e. a z-stage stepper motor mounted to the frame that raises and lowers a mounting plate, wherein the at least one elevator leg is connected to the mounting plate with a quick disconnect locking device that allows the at least one elevator leg to be disconnectable from the mounting plate so that the at least one elevator leg and platform are removable with the container holding the solidifiable liquid material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for forming three dimensional objects from solidifiable liquid material layer by layer in response to energy applied to a working surface of the material, the apparatus comprising:
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a. a frame; b. a removable container having a solidifiable liquid material for forming three dimensional objects, the container being removable from the frame; and c. a platform on which three dimensional objects are formed, the platform being movably supported by at least one elevator leg and lowerable into the container of solidifiable liquid material, the at least one elevator leg being disconnectable from a mounting plate that is raised and lowered relative to the frame, wherein the at least one elevator leg is disconnectable from the mounting plate by at least one quick release lever to permit removal of the container, the at least one elevator leg, and the platform from the frame. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification