Methods for multi-material stereolithography
First Claim
1. A method of multi-material stereolithography comprising the steps of:
- solidifying a first polymer in a first receptacle into a first desired subject part layer of a subject part;
positioning at least one of the subject part and a second receptacle containing a second polymer such that the subject part is disposed in the second receptacle; and
solidifying the second polymer on the subject part, wherein the second polymer is not the same as the first polymer.
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Abstract
Methods and systems of stereolithography for building cost-efficient and time-saving multi-material, multi-functional and multi-colored prototypes, models and devices configured for intermediate washing and curing/drying is disclosed including: laser(s), liquid and/or platform level sensing system(s), controllable optical system(s), moveable platform(s), elevator platform(s), recoating system(s) and at least one polymer retaining receptacle. Multiple polymer retaining receptacles may be arranged in a moveable apparatus, wherein each receptacle is adapted to actively/passively maintain a uniform, desired level of polymer by including a recoating device and a material fill/remove system. The platform is movably accessible to the polymer retaining receptacle(s), elevator mechanism(s) and washing and curing/drying area(s) which may be housed in a shielded enclosure(s). The elevator mechanism is configured to vertically traverse and rotate the platform, thus providing angled building, washing and curing/drying capabilities. A horizontal traversing mechanism may be included to facilitate manufacturing between components of SL cabinet(s) and/or alternative manufacturing technologies.
80 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of multi-material stereolithography comprising the steps of:
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solidifying a first polymer in a first receptacle into a first desired subject part layer of a subject part; positioning at least one of the subject part and a second receptacle containing a second polymer such that the subject part is disposed in the second receptacle; and solidifying the second polymer on the subject part, wherein the second polymer is not the same as the first polymer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of multi-material stereolithography comprising the steps of:
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solidifying a first material in a first receptacle into a first desired subject part layer of a subject part, wherein the first material comprises a first polymer; positioning at least one of the subject part and a second receptacle containing a second material such that the subject part is disposed in the second receptacle; and solidifying the second material on the subject part, wherein; the second material comprises a second polymer; and the second material is not the same as the first material. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification