Elevator and method for tilting solid image build platform for reducing air entrainment and for build release
First Claim
1. A method for facilitating release of a build object on a build platform in a solid imaging device from an image plane in the solid imaging device, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) solidifying solid image build material on the image plane to the build object to define a layer of the build object;
b) tilting with respect to the image plane the build platform to lift one edge of the build object off the image plane, wherein tilting of the build platform is performed while lifting the build object from the image plane; and
c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for at least one additional layer of the build object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solid imaging apparatus is provided that includes a replaceable cartridge containing a source of build material and an extendable and retractable flexible transport film for transporting the build material layer-by-layer from the cartridge to the surface of a build in an image plane. An operator using the device needs merely to remove a spent cartridge and replace it with a fresh cartridge to continue solid imaging virtually uninterrupted. The apparatus also includes the capability of withdrawing and inserting an imager without the operator having to perform a separate alignment step. A brush attached to the transport film and forming part of the cartridge provides for intra-layer removal of excess uncured build material. If desired, the apparatus can produce a fully reacted build. A high intensity UV source cures the build between layers. An injection molded build pad is designed to hold a build in an inverted position for improving the build. The invention also provides for tilting the build elevator to reduce air entrainment and for releasing the build from the image plane.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for facilitating release of a build object on a build platform in a solid imaging device from an image plane in the solid imaging device, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) solidifying solid image build material on the image plane to the build object to define a layer of the build object; b) tilting with respect to the image plane the build platform to lift one edge of the build object off the image plane, wherein tilting of the build platform is performed while lifting the build object from the image plane; and c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for at least one additional layer of the build object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification